If we take some key words from our text Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God Stand therefore Praying always
It shows us that Paul was saying that if we are to stand against the devil, we are to put on the armour of God with prayer.
If we look at these words carefully we can see 4 things or patterns that are consistent to effectual prayer.
Perceptive Prayer
Prevailing prayer is perceptive, according to Paul we are to pray in the Spirit
It means we should be energized by the Holy Spirit or another way of saying it would be Pray in the power of the Holy SpiritThis is the kind of prayer James talks about in James 5:16 The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
To pray with perception not only means to pray in the power of the Holy Spirit but also in line with the Holy Spirit.
We want the will of God, not our will when praying.
read Romans 8:26
This is the first step in prevailing prayer. We have to try and make our prayers perceptive and discerning.
Persevering Prayer
Paul tells us we need to persevere in our prayers. He shows us in 2 places.The first place is in Epheshians 6:18 where he says praying always and then in vs 20 watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication.
Let´s look at praying always first.
In some other translations the word always is at all times or on all occassions or at every opportunity or even unceasingly.
In other words prevailing prayer is to pray at all times and at every opportunity.
Do we? Being in an attitude of prayer constantly.
What a challenge!
Ok, now let´s look at watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication.
What he is asking us to do here is to take an inventory of our time. Each one of us has 24 hrs. a day.
No more, no less. We may have a set time each day to pray, that´s great!
What about our spare moments?
Are we redeeming it for God?
Passionate Prayer
Prevailing prayer is perceptive and persevering. It should also be passionate.James 5:16 The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
We don´t want to confuse passion with noise and outward excitement.
Passion is simply strong feeling.
It isn´t to be identified with shouting, although you can.
It isn´t to be identified with raising your hands, although you can.
These are not necessarily proofs of true passion and spiritual desire.
Have you ever heard the expression IT IS A SHALLOW RIVER THAT MAKES A NOISE.
We don´t want our passion to be artificial, we want the real deal!
We don´t need to try and whip up some emotion or some kind of faked show.
If we pray with the desire of our heart we will find ourselves praying with zeal and passion.
Out of the abundance of our hearts we pray.
Example: a child who wants something, doesn´t have to work up an excitement or passion , it is normal and natural.
Particular Prayer
Prevailing prayer is perceptive, persevering and passionate.
Finally it is also particular.
Paul says in our text Ephesians 6:18-19 for all saints, and me.Paul encourages us to pray for all saints.
We are all part of the Body of Christ and we need to pray for one another.
We should be praying for the universal church, christians in China, Mid East, Europe, everywhere in general,
Pray for the whole Body of Christ.
But Paul also says pray for me prayer is both general and specific.
We need a prayer list of individuals, and know what the specific need is in their life.
Paul asks for prayer that he might speak boldly.
This is the whole purpose of spiritual warfare the triumph of the gospel.
It´s for this reason that prevailing prayer has to concentrate on the needs of those who are preaching and
spreading the gospel throughout the world.
We Must Engage In Prayer That Is:
Perceptive
Persevering
Passionate
Particular
A QUOTE BY GEORGE DUFFIELD
Put on the gospel armour, each piece put on with prayer.Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
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James 5:16 The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
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Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
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Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
Ephesians 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
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James 5:16 The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
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Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
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Last updated on June 19, 2005