Ephesians 5-6

ScriptureEphesians 6:18-20¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.ObservationPaul is writing to the Ephesians, during his first Roman imprisonment.An excerpt from The Bible-Teaching Ministry of Charles R. Swindoll’s page on Ephesians states, “While Galatians offers instructions particularly important for those churches overrun with legalism, Ephesians deals with topics at the very core of what it means to be a Christian—both in faith and in practice—regardless of any particular problem in the community.”Through Chapter 5 and the first part of Chapter 6, Paul encourages the Ephesians in living out the actions that reflect Christ in them – following God’s example (5:1), loving as He loved (5:2), remaining pure and without greed (5:3), giving thanks in everything (5:20), he provides instructions to Christian households (5:21-6:9) and being prepared for spiritual warfare by putting on the armor of God (6:10-17).  So much good and practical stuff here!!!  And his final encouragement is in the matter of prayer.

Understanding

God has been speaking to my heart about the matter [and power] of prayer.  As I pick apart these verses, here is what I found…¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.We are to pray at ALL times.Anyone else find their prayer walk varies – even if slightly – dependent on circumstances.  However, just as God is constant, we are called to be constant in our communication with God.  Sure, the language of our prayers may change depending on circumstances; but God’s heart is that we stay in relationship and communication with him ALWAYS.  I find it easiest to pray when things are good (with gratitude and praise) or bad (with requests and sometimes despair)…but where does my heart go when things are, well, neutral?  May I become more present in my times with God at al times.Our church family and fellow believers need our prayers!I was reminded several times yesterday of the needs within our own church.  Families suffering illness, marriages facing challenges, brothers and sisters in Christ facing financial issues, family struggles…people seeking restoration and healing.  It’s all present right here in our own little church family.  May we glorify God and release His power in our prayers for our church family. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.THIS verse.  This is what I want my heart’s cry to be – that I will move FEARLESSLY in obedience to God and recognize my position – an ambassador for Him – in every situation I find myself in. Life ApplicationDear God, thank you for reminding me of the necessity and the power of prayer.  I am so grateful for all the blessings that you’ve poured out on me; may I use them to glorify you.  I am forever grateful for this family that you’ve placed me in; may I glorify you in the way that I love on them, lift them up to you and be your hands and feet to them.  I am honored that you have chosen to me to partner with you and for the things you have spoken to me; may I move fearlessly in obedience as I respond.In your precious and Holy name, I pray.  Amen.To check out the discussion or to join in click here.PS In digging in, I found and really enjoyed this…https://www.insight.org/resources/bible/the-pauline-epistles/ephesians- Rei