Becoming a Prayer WarriorSample

A lifestyle change

Do you notice a theme in the apostle Paul’s teaching on prayer? “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” (Ephesians 6:18). If repetition teaches us anything, it’s that God invites us to a lifestyle of prayer, to becoming prayer warriors who fight evil by falling to our knees.

“On all occasions”—There is no occasion that isn’t the right occasion to pray. If you woke up after a good night of sleep, thank God for it in prayer. If you tossed and turned and feel drained before the day has begun, ask God for help in prayer. Up on the hills of joy or down in the depressing valleys, wherever you are right now is the right place to pray.

“With all kinds of prayers”—Pray for physical blessings, like that headache, your job stress, or a strained relationship with a sibling. And pray for spiritual blessings, like increasing your patience and having the courage to share your faith in Jesus. Our Lord taught us to pray for daily bread, but even more for the spiritual blessings of God’s name, kingdom, and will.

“For all the Lord’s people”—Just as Jesus taught us to pray in the plural ("our Father,” not “my Father”), so we pray for the church and for Christian friends, faithful pastors, and persecuted believers. Paul needed the Ephesians’ prayers, and other Christians need yours.

I pray that prayer might become your new lifestyle this week.