Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke

The Apostle Paul was greatly used by God to teach and direct the new church as it struggled for survival following the ascension of Christ. He quickly discovered the real answer for strength and understanding was found through prayer.

Directions were given to the new converts on how to be strong enough to overcome obstacles. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…” (Ephesians 6:18). Paul had just described the armor of God (v. 11-17) and now states that the only way to use that armor effectively was through prayer. Having the armor with no strength to use it is to fail. Prayer builds faith, and faith builds strength.

Notice he said, “Praying…in the Spirit.” Paul said in Romans 8:26-27 that the Spirit intercedes for us, while Jude (verse 20) stated that “praying in the Holy Ghost” would build us up. Try praying until you sense the Holy Spirit intervening and your faith growing.

When we read the scriptures we find that even Jesus knew prayer was key to fulfilling the Father’s will. He was more than flesh, He was divine, yet He understood the fleshly desires of human nature would trouble Him if He allowed it to happen. Therefore, Jesus spent hours in prayer to enable Him to remain one with the Father.

Look at His example: “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12). “And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone” (Matt 14:23). Before facing the cross, He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane until his sweat became as blood. Prayer will change our hearts, our homes, our churches. May God grant us the power to pray.