2012-09-22 - Prayer

"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 saints."--Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

This one verse of Scripture is a good guide for prayer. First, we are told how to pray--"in the Spirit." We need to have the proper attitude when we address God. And Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit will help us with our prayers.

Next, we are instructed when to pray--"on all occasions." There is never a bad time for prayer.

Third, We are told to use "all kinds of prayers." Short prayers, long prayers, silent prayers, public prayers - all work.

Then, we are to make "requests." In other words, praying is asking God for specific things, such as, healing, knowledge, strength etc.

Next, Paul instructs us to "be alert" when we pray. We are to be spiritually awake.

We are also to "always keep on praying." We should not give up, even when our prayers seem unanswered.

Finally, we are to pray "for all the saints." We are to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ. The important thing to do is to just do it--pray.

 Richard
http://www.cfdevotionals.org