PRAYING ALWAYS WITH ALL PRAYER

PRAYING ALWAYS WITH ALL PRAYER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 6:10-18

Key Verse: Ephesians 6:18 (KJV)

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

Supporting Texts: Luke 18:1; Romans 12:12; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Colossians 4:2; James 5:13-18; Jude 20.

Description: Praying always with all prayer means maintaining an unbroken attitude of dependence on God and engaging every biblical dimension of prayer as we stand firm in spiritual warfare.

INTRODUCTION

Prayer is the lifeline of the Christian faith. It is the means through which believers communicate with God, express their dependence on Him, receive spiritual strength, seek divine direction, and obtain grace for life's challenges. Prayer is not merely an activity reserved for church services or moments of crisis; it is a lifestyle that must characterise every child of God. A Christian who desires to grow spiritually and remain victorious in spiritual warfare must cultivate a consistent and comprehensive prayer life.

In Ephesians 6:10-18, Apostle Paul describes the armour of God and reminds believers that they are engaged in spiritual warfare. He identifies the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the Gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. He then concludes with an instruction to pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. This teaches us that prayer is indispensable to spiritual warfare. The believer must not only wear the armour but must also maintain constant fellowship with God.

The expression “praying always with all prayer” is significant. It teaches that prayer should be continuous, comprehensive, Spirit-directed, and persistent. We must not restrict prayer to a particular time, method, or need. There are different dimensions of prayer, and each has its place in the Christian life. Whether we are worshipping, giving thanks, making requests, interceding for others, or seeking divine intervention, we must remain connected to God. The call is clear: pray always, pray in every situation, and pray with all kinds of prayer.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING OF PRAYING ALWAYS

To pray always means to maintain a continuous relationship of dependence and fellowship with God. It does not mean that a believer must spend every second speaking verbally in prayer. Rather, it means living with a heart that is continually turned towards God, maintaining regular periods of prayer, and depending on Him throughout daily activities.

Prayer should not be treated as an emergency telephone call that we make only when trouble comes. It is a daily spiritual responsibility. We must develop a lifestyle in which God is involved in our thoughts, decisions, plans, relationships, and responsibilities.

a) Prayer Is a Continuous Relationship with God (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Paul gives a brief but powerful instruction: “Pray without ceasing.” This means that prayer should not be an occasional experience but a regular feature of our Christian walk.

A believer can maintain an attitude of prayer while working, travelling, studying, serving, or carrying out family responsibilities. We can silently communicate with God, offer thanksgiving, seek His wisdom, and commit our activities into His hands.

Practical Application: Cultivate an ongoing awareness of God's presence. Do not limit your communication with Him to your morning or evening prayer time.

b) Prayer Must Become a Daily Spiritual Discipline (Daniel 6:10)

Daniel maintained a consistent practice of praying three times daily. His prayer life was not determined by convenience or circumstances. Even when a law was passed against prayer, he continued his established devotion to God.

Consistency is important because spiritual strength is developed through regular fellowship with God. We cannot expect to become spiritually strong while neglecting the discipline that strengthens our relationship with Him.

Practical Application: Establish definite times for personal prayer and protect those times from unnecessary interruptions.

c) Prayer Keeps Us Dependent on God (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Prayer reminds us that our wisdom and strength are limited. It teaches us to acknowledge God in all our ways and depend on His direction.

Some people pray only when their abilities fail. However, a mature believer understands that dependence on God is necessary even when everything appears to be going well.

Practical Application: Pray before making decisions, beginning assignments, entering new relationships, or undertaking important responsibilities.

d) Prayer Sustains Our Spiritual Life (Colossians 4:2)

Paul instructs believers to continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving. This shows that prayer sustains spiritual vitality and keeps our hearts attentive to God.

Just as the physical body requires regular nourishment, the spiritual life requires consistent fellowship with God. Prayerlessness gradually weakens spiritual sensitivity and makes a believer more vulnerable to distraction and temptation.

Practical Application: Do not allow your prayer life to depend on how you feel. Maintain it as a spiritual commitment.

Biblical Example: Jesus Christ (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16)

Jesus regularly withdrew to solitary places to pray. Despite His demanding ministry, He maintained fellowship with the Father. His example teaches us that no responsibility, opportunity, or achievement should replace our personal relationship with God.

2. UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF PRAYER

Paul does not merely say, “Praying always.” He adds, “with all prayer and supplication.” This expression reveals the comprehensive nature of Christian prayer. There are different ways in which believers communicate with God, and we should learn to practise them according to Scripture.

A limited prayer life focuses only on personal requests. A mature prayer life includes worship, thanksgiving, confession, supplication, intercession, agreement, and prayer in the Spirit. Each dimension enriches our fellowship with God and helps us fulfil our spiritual responsibilities.

a) Prayer of Worship and Adoration (Psalm 95:6)

Worship is the expression of reverence, honour, and love towards God because of who He is. In worship, we acknowledge His holiness, greatness, sovereignty, goodness, and faithfulness.

Prayer should not always begin with a list of personal needs. We must learn to honour God for His character and acknowledge His greatness. Worship places our attention on God rather than on the size of our challenges.

Practical Application: Spend time praising and worshipping God before presenting your personal requests. Focus on His greatness and faithfulness.

b) Prayer of Thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6)

Thanksgiving is the expression of gratitude for God's goodness, provision, protection, mercy, and faithfulness. It acknowledges that every good gift ultimately comes from Him.

A thankful believer does not forget God's past interventions when facing present difficulties. Thanksgiving strengthens our confidence and helps us approach God with a grateful heart.

Practical Application: Make a habit of remembering and thanking God for specific blessings. Never allow your prayer life to become dominated by complaints.

c) Prayer of Supplication (Philippians 4:6)

Supplication involves presenting specific needs and requests before God. It may concern spiritual growth, family matters, health, provision, wisdom, protection, ministry, or other legitimate needs.

God invites His children to bring their requests to Him. We should not assume that our needs are too small to mention or too difficult for Him to handle. However, we must present our requests with faith and submission to His will.

Practical Application: Be specific when you pray. Identify your needs and bring them before God with confidence in His ability and wisdom.

d) Prayer of Confession and Repentance (1 John 1:9)

Confession involves acknowledging our sins before God and seeking His forgiveness. It is an important part of maintaining a healthy relationship with Him.

We must not use prayer only to ask for blessings while ignoring the condition of our hearts. When the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, we must respond with humility and genuine repentance.

Practical Application: Examine your heart regularly. Confess your sins sincerely, receive God's forgiveness, and make the necessary changes in your conduct.

Biblical Example: Solomon (1 Kings 8:22-53)

At the dedication of the temple, Solomon offered a prayer that included worship, thanksgiving, supplication, and appeals for forgiveness and divine intervention. His prayer demonstrates that communication with God involves more than personal requests. It includes honouring God, acknowledging His faithfulness, and seeking His mercy for His people.

3. THE POWER OF INTERCESSORY PRAYER

Intercession is prayer offered on behalf of other people. It is the spiritual responsibility of standing in the gap for individuals, families, churches, communities, leaders, and nations. God does not intend for believers to become so absorbed in personal needs that they forget the burdens of others.

Intercessory prayer reflects the heart of Christ, who loves humanity and desires that people come to the knowledge of the truth. It is one of the ways believers participate in God's work in the lives of others.

a) Intercede for Your Family (Job 1:5)

Job regularly offered sacrifices on behalf of his children, demonstrating his concern for their spiritual welfare. Parents and guardians must recognise that the spiritual well-being of their households requires attention and prayer.

Children face pressures, temptations, and influences that parents cannot always control. Through prayer, we commit them to God's care and ask for wisdom to guide them.

Practical Application: Pray consistently for your spouse, children, and other members of your family. Ask God to preserve them in faith and godliness.

b) Intercede for Your Church and Spiritual Leaders (Colossians 4:3-4)

Paul requested prayer so that God would open doors for the preaching of the Gospel and enable him to proclaim the message clearly. This reveals that even spiritual leaders need the prayers of the church.

Pastors and ministers carry responsibilities that require wisdom, courage, spiritual strength, and divine protection. The church must not only expect its leaders to pray for the congregation; members must also pray for their leaders.

Practical Application: Make your pastor, church leaders, missionaries, and ministers regular subjects of prayer.

c) Intercede for Those in Authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Paul instructs believers to pray for kings and all who are in authority. This is important because leadership decisions affect the peace, security, and welfare of society.

Christians should pray for wisdom, justice, integrity, and responsible leadership. Intercession is not limited to people we know personally or agree with; it is a Christian responsibility.

Practical Application: Pray for government officials, community leaders, and those responsible for public welfare.

d) Intercede for the Salvation of Souls (Romans 10:1)

Paul expressed a deep desire and prayer to God for the salvation of Israel. His example shows that believers should carry a burden for those who have not yet received Christ.

Evangelism must be supported by prayer. We should pray that hearts will be opened, spiritual blindness removed, and opportunities created for the Gospel to be preached.

Practical Application: Pray by name for relatives, friends, neighbours, and colleagues who do not know Christ. Also pray for missionaries and evangelistic outreaches.

Biblical Example: Abraham (Genesis 18:22-33)

Abraham interceded for Sodom, appealing to God's justice and mercy. He demonstrated concern for the people of the city and pleaded before God on their behalf. His example reminds us that intercession requires compassion and a willingness to carry the burdens of others before the Lord.

4. PRAYER IN THE SPIRIT

Ephesians 6:18 instructs believers to pray “in the Spirit.” This means that our prayer life must be guided, strengthened, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Prayer is not intended to be a merely human exercise; it is a spiritual activity in which we depend on the help and leading of the Spirit of God.

The Holy Spirit helps believers in their weaknesses, directs their hearts towards God's purposes, and strengthens their fellowship with the Father. We must therefore cultivate sensitivity to His presence and guidance.

a) The Holy Spirit Helps Our Infirmities (Romans 8:26)

Paul teaches that the Spirit helps our weaknesses because we do not always know what we should pray for as we ought. This reveals our need for divine assistance in prayer.

There are situations where we lack the words or understanding to express what is in our hearts. The Holy Spirit helps us in such moments and enables us to depend on God's wisdom.

Practical Application: Acknowledge your dependence on the Holy Spirit whenever you pray. Ask Him to guide your thoughts and strengthen your spiritual life.

b) Prayer in the Spirit Builds Us Up Spiritually (Jude 20)

Jude encourages believers to build themselves up on their most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Prayer in the Spirit strengthens our spiritual lives and helps us remain established in the faith.

Believers must not become satisfied with spiritual immaturity. We should seek continuous growth through the word, prayer, obedience, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

Practical Application: Give attention to Spirit-led prayer as part of your daily spiritual development.

c) Praying in Tongues Strengthens Personal Devotion (1 Corinthians 14:2, 4)

Paul explains that the person who speaks in an unknown tongue speaks to God and edifies himself. In the Pentecostal understanding of this passage, praying in tongues is one expression of prayer in the Spirit.

The gift of tongues should be exercised according to Scripture and with proper understanding of its purpose. In personal devotion, it can be an expression of prayer and spiritual edification. In public gatherings, the biblical instructions concerning interpretation and order must be observed.

Practical Application: If you have received the gift of tongues, exercise it responsibly in personal devotion and according to biblical teaching in corporate worship.

d) The Holy Spirit Helps Us Pray According to God's Will (Romans 8:27)

The Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. This shows that Spirit-led prayer is not driven merely by personal ambition or emotion. It is directed towards God's purposes.

We must be willing to surrender our desires and allow God's word to shape our requests. The more we grow in the knowledge of Scripture, the more our prayers will reflect His revealed will.

Practical Application: Let God's word guide your prayer requests. Ask the Holy Spirit to align your desires with God's purposes.

Biblical Example: The Early Church (Acts 4:23-31)

When the early believers faced threats and opposition, they gathered together and lifted their voices to God. They prayed for boldness to continue preaching the Gospel. After they prayed, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness. Their experience demonstrates the importance of Spirit-empowered prayer.

5. THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSISTENCE IN PRAYER

Praying always requires perseverance. Some answers may come quickly, while others require continued waiting and trust. The believer must not interpret delay as proof that God has abandoned him. God's wisdom and timing are perfect, even when we do not understand His processes.

Persistence in prayer does not mean attempting to force God to fulfil our wishes. It means remaining faithful, trusting His character, and continuing to seek Him without giving in to discouragement.

a) Persistent Prayer Prevents Discouragement (Luke 18:1-8)

Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow to teach His disciples that they ought always to pray and not to faint. The widow continued appealing for justice until her request was granted.

Jesus used this story to encourage perseverance in prayer. Believers must not abandon their confidence in God because an answer has not yet appeared.

Practical Application: When you experience delay, continue praying with faith and patience. Refuse to allow disappointment to destroy your confidence in God.

b) Persistent Prayer Demonstrates Dependence on God (Psalm 40:1-3)

The psalmist speaks of waiting patiently for the Lord, who heard his cry and brought him out of a horrible pit. Waiting on God requires trust and dependence.

There are seasons when we must continue praying while God works in ways we cannot immediately see. We must learn to trust Him beyond our present circumstances.

Practical Application: Do not abandon your faith during seasons of waiting. Continue seeking God and obeying His word.

c) Persistent Prayer Must Be Accompanied by Thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2)

Paul connects perseverance in prayer with watchfulness and thanksgiving. This teaches us that our prayer life should not become a platform for constant complaints.

Thanksgiving reminds us of God's past faithfulness and helps us maintain confidence in His present care. Even while waiting for an answer, we can thank Him for His goodness.

Practical Application: Keep a record of God's faithfulness and use those testimonies to strengthen your confidence in prayer.

d) Persistent Prayer Must Remain Submissive to God's Will (Matthew 26:39)

In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed earnestly concerning the suffering ahead of Him, yet He submitted Himself to the Father's will. His prayer demonstrates that genuine prayer includes surrender.

We must not confuse persistence with stubborn insistence on our own desires. Sometimes God answers by changing our circumstances; at other times, He gives us grace to endure and strength to fulfil His purpose.

Practical Application: Pray with confidence, but always surrender the outcome to God's wisdom and will.

Biblical Example: Elijah (1 Kings 18:41-45; James 5:17-18)

Elijah prayed earnestly for rain after a prolonged drought. He continued seeking God while his servant repeatedly looked towards the sea. Eventually, a small cloud appeared, and the rain followed. Elijah's experience teaches us to persevere in prayer and remain expectant even when the first evidence of an answer appears small.

6. THE RESULTS OF A LIFE OF PRAYING ALWAYS

A consistent prayer life produces spiritual strength, peace, discernment, and deeper fellowship with God. It helps believers remain steadfast in the face of adversity and equips them to fulfil their responsibilities in the kingdom.

Prayer does not mean that believers will never face challenges. Rather, it means that we do not face those challenges alone. We have access to the Father through Jesus Christ and the help of the Holy Spirit.

a) Prayer Releases the Peace of God (Philippians 4:6-7)

Paul teaches believers to bring their requests to God with thanksgiving, and the peace of God will guard their hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Prayer helps us transfer our burdens to God rather than allowing anxiety to dominate our hearts. It gives us confidence that He is aware of our needs and remains in control.

Practical Application: Whenever anxiety arises, turn your concerns into prayer. Thank God and trust Him to guard your heart.

b) Prayer Strengthens Us Against Temptation (Matthew 26:41)

Jesus instructed His disciples to watch and pray so that they would not enter into temptation. Prayer helps us recognise our weaknesses and depend on God's grace.

A believer who prays consistently is better positioned to resist spiritual compromise and remain faithful to God's word.

Practical Application: Pray daily for strength to overcome temptation and make wise choices.

c) Prayer Releases Divine Direction (Acts 13:2-3)

While the believers in Antioch ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit gave direction concerning the ministry of Barnabas and Saul. Their prayerful devotion became a setting for divine instruction.

Prayer helps us become sensitive to God's leading. We must not make important decisions without seeking His wisdom and considering the guidance of Scripture.

Practical Application: Seek God in prayer before making major decisions concerning your life, family, and ministry.

d) Prayer Produces Spiritual Boldness and Effectiveness (Acts 4:31)

After the early church prayed, the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness. Their prayer strengthened them for the assignment God had given them.

Prayer is not intended to make us passive. It empowers us to act courageously, serve faithfully, and fulfil God's purposes.

Practical Application: Pray for boldness and spiritual effectiveness in your ministry, evangelism, work, and daily Christian witness.

Biblical Example: The Church at Antioch (Acts 13:1-3)

The church at Antioch was committed to worship, fasting, and prayer. In that atmosphere of devotion, the Holy Spirit directed the church to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work. Their experience demonstrates that a prayerful church becomes sensitive to divine direction and ready to fulfil God's mission.

CONCLUSION

The instruction to pray always with all prayer is a call to a comprehensive and consistent prayer life. God does not want us to pray only when we are in trouble or when we have urgent needs. He desires continuous fellowship with His children. We must worship, give thanks, confess our sins, make supplication, intercede for others, pray in the Spirit, and persevere in faith. Prayer is essential to our spiritual growth, our victory in spiritual warfare, and our effectiveness in the work of the kingdom.

Beloved, let prayer become your lifestyle. Build a personal prayer altar, maintain regular fellowship with God, and never allow the pressures of life to disconnect you from His presence. Pray when you are happy and when you are sorrowful; pray when the road is smooth and when the journey becomes difficult. Pray for yourself, your family, your church, and the world around you. Remember that the power of prayer is rooted in the greatness of the God who hears us. Therefore, keep praying always, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, ignite fresh passion for prayer in my heart and deliver me from prayerlessness in Jesus name.

2. Lord, give me grace to maintain a consistent prayer life in every season in Jesus name.

3. Holy Spirit, teach me to pray according to the will and purposes of God in Jesus name.

4. Father, strengthen my faith and help me to persevere until Your purposes are fulfilled in my life in Jesus name.

5. Lord, deliver me from every distraction that weakens my fellowship with You in Jesus name.

6. Father, let Your peace guard my heart and mind against anxiety and fear in Jesus name.

7. Lord, make me a faithful intercessor for my family, church, and community in Jesus name.

8. Father, empower me to overcome temptation and stand firm in spiritual warfare in Jesus name.

9. Lord, release divine wisdom and direction for every area of my life in Jesus name.

10. Father, let my prayer life produce lasting testimonies and spiritual victories in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Your prayer altar shall never go cold; you receive fresh grace to seek the Lord continually.

2. You shall grow in faith, spiritual strength, and intimacy with God.

3. Every power of distraction assigned against your prayer life shall lose its influence over you.

4. You shall receive divine wisdom and direction in every area of your life.

5. The peace of God shall guard your heart and mind against fear and anxiety.

6. You shall overcome temptation and remain steadfast in righteousness.

7. Your family shall receive the blessings of your prayers and experience God's faithfulness.

8. You shall become an effective intercessor and a blessing to the body of Christ.

9. Your waiting season shall not destroy your faith; you shall remain steadfast in the promises of God.

10. Your life shall produce testimonies of answered prayer, divine intervention, and spiritual victory, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.