Ephesians: His Glorious RichesSample

We have completed our examination of the armour of God, but there is one essential weapon which Paul still has to mention: that of prayer. Prayer is vital if we are to be victorious. Paul makes a general statement (v. 18) before requesting prayer for himself (vv. 19–20). 

Verse 18 is very comprehensive. Firstly, we are to pray with the Spirit’s help and under His direction. What does this mean (see 1:17; 2:18; 3:16–17)? 

We are to pray ‘on all occasions’ (my italics) – it is good to have set times at which we pray, but we can lift our hearts to God in any situation. We should live our lives in an atmosphere of prayer. 

Secondly, we are to pray ‘with all kinds of prayer’ – adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication. The book of Psalms gives a comprehensive description of the varieties of prayer. 

Thirdly, we are to pray with all perseverance – we are to pray without ceasing (Luke 18:1–8). Praying is like drilling for oil – you never know how close you might be to a breakthrough. The answer to specific petitions may be very close; therefore we keep bringing our requests to the Lord, trusting in His perfect timing. 

Fourthly, we are to pray for all of God’s people. In particular we should pray for our leaders (1 Tim. 2:1–3). How comprehensive is your prayer list? Pray through this entire verse and apply it to your own prayer life. 

Paul then requests prayer for himself (vv. 19-20). He has been describing the mystery of the gospel throughout this letter. God has set him aside to proclaim this mystery (3:2–6). Even though he is in prison, Paul is still aware of his calling. He is an ‘ambassador in chains’ (v. 20). An ambassador speaks with authority on behalf of the one who has sent him. We too are Christ’s ambassadors because through us God is ‘making his appeal’ (2 Cor. 5:20–21). 

Notice that Paul does not ask for comfort or release from prison. His desire is to have both the words to preach and the courage to proclaim them. This pattern is common in the Bible. When the first believers were threatened and forbidden to preach, they gathered to pray and requested not safety but boldness to declare the Word (Acts 4:23–30). Their prayers were answered (Acts 4:31). 

Did God give Paul the boldness to preach in prison? For the answer look at Philippians 1:12–18, which was written during the same imprisonment.

Reflection

The context of Paul’s prayer is that of spiritual warfare. How does this affect the way you think about prayer (Ex. 17:8–16; 2 Thes. 3:1–5)?