Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."
Text: Ephesians 6:18
PRAYING WITH GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT
Praying always is not difficult when the heart is constantly encouraged by the great promises we read in the Scriptures. Every believer has his own stock of favourite Bible promises that bring encouragement to the heart to pray always. Here is one list of great promises that should bring a lift to the heart to pray without ceasing.
1. Promises from the Lord Jesus
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:13-14)
2. Promise of the Holy Spirit praying alongside
“Likewise the Spirit also helps us in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints, according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27)
3. Promise of intercession from our great High Priest, the Lord Jesus
“But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:24-25)
THE CHALLENGE TO PRACTICE PRAYER
Many are the promises to be found in the Scriptures. Ultimately, we still must get down to actually seeking the Lord in prayer!
1. Praying with faith
“Men always ought to pray and not lose heart…” (Luke 18:1)
2. Praying with a great sense of purpose
“Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation…” (Luke 22:46)
3. Praying with joy
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy…” (Philippians 1:3-4)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)