Prayer: An Interactive, Intimate Relationship with Jesus
"Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak." Ephesians 6:18-20 NRSV
Series: Ephesians: Reading the Bible for Spiritual Formation
Devotional: 3 of 7
Throughout his letter to the saints in Ephesus, we see the Apostle Paul's heart for prayer on display. A heart that is overcome with gratitude despite being an "ambassador in chains" for the Gospel. A heart of compassion and love that is desperate for the Father of glory to generously pour out His wisdom and revelation on the people of Ephesus. And a heart characterized by an unceasing desire for those that might hear his words to "know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge."
Indeed, there is much we can learn about prayer from Paul's concluding remarks.
"Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak." Ephesians 6:18-20 NRSV
Here are three things I see from today's text:
#1 - Pray Without Ceasing: This is what Brother Lawrence referred to as Practicing the Presence of God, and later what Frank Laubach would write about in The Game with Minutes. Both sought to experience God in a moment-by-moment interactive relationship. Truly, the more we pray, the more we think to pray.
#2 - Intercessory Prayer: Paul encourages us to "persevere in supplication for all the saints." What an honor and a privilege it is to come before the throne of God on behalf of another soul. At the intersection of prayer and community, Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote, "A Christian fellowship lives and exists by the intercession of its members for one another."
#3 - Prayer Gives Way to Boldness: Prayer is circular. The more we intercede in prayer on behalf of those in our community, the more we recognize our need for others to lift us up in prayer. From a posture of humility, we ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with boldness so that we might testify to the goodness of God whenever we are given the chance. Our boldness is not aggressive or demanding, nor do we seek to arm wrestle anyone into our way of thinking. Full of grace and mercy, we simply speak the Truth in love.
Today, just start talking to Jesus. Talk to him about the places you will go, the tasks on your plate that need to be accomplished, and the people you will meet as you go about your day. As you do, remember to allow lots of open space for Him to respond. He desires to have an interactive, intimate relationship with you as you move throughout your day.
OnThe3rdDay Devotionals
Devotionals that illustrate Biblical principles in a simple and short format that can be applied to your everyday life.
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