Ephesians 6:19-20, “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” NIV.
Think about what was the most recent time you asked someone to pray for you or someone asked you to pray about something for them? Paul was in prison, and he had just brought up that spiritual warfare is an ongoing raging battle that causes stress on every believer. So we all must be alert, persevere, and be strong in the Lord who brings the victory. Paul, the great teacher and spiritual leader, then asked for prayer for himself. Prayer activates the armor and releases all our eternal resources in delivering blessings.
No doubt, Paul had his upcoming defense before Caesar on his mind, yet he did not ask for the readers to pray for that. That was so like Paul. Instead, he asked them to pray for his eloquence and duty in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ during his time in prison. Paul would not neglect his first responsibility to serve Christ and continued his due diligence. He believed he was still an ambassador of the gospel, despite the uncomfortable and unjust situation he had to endure. He remained focused on his eternal reward and calling. Paul was indeed a man of grit. He recognized that he had a captive audience while in prison and that he was right where God intended to have him and use him. Therefore, Paul asked the believers to pray for the gospel to be proclaimed both clearly and with the Holy Spirit’s fearless power given to Paul. He did not want to neglect one or the other. When conflict arises do I recognize God has me right where He intended to have me and use me in molding me more into His likeness and image, or be of service to someone? I would say that is not my perspective normally. How about you?
Do you know what it is like to be ignored, betrayed by a friend, hurt by someone’s words, or crippled with grief over the loss of a loved one? Even if it was unintentional, the enemy will take advantage and whisper lies about those negative occurrences. It is like having the effect of kryptonite working against a weakness within our inner make-up we possess, that then causes us to lose our focus on Christ. That is when our ego is hurt and we feel like a victim.
Being a believer does not make anyone exempt from these assaults. But Paul gives all of us an example of how to pray for others and ourselves, and remembering the necessary spiritual equipment God provides us. Praying God’s Word defeats the enemy. Even Paul asked for prayer for himself.
“Prayer crowns all lawful efforts with success, and gives a victory when nothing else would. No matter how complete the armor; no matter how skilled we may be in the science of war; no matter how courageous we may be, we may be certain that without prayer we shall be defeated. God alone can give the victory; and when the Christian soldier goes forth armed completely for the spiritual conflict, if he looks to God by prayer, he may be sure of a triumph. This prayer is not to be intermitted. It is to be always. In every temptation and spiritual conflict we are to pray. See [Lk 18:1].” (Albert Barnes. Barnes NT Commentary)
Sufficient adequacy can only come by the power of the Holy Spirit. Be alert by continually praying for spiritual provision, protection, praying in the Spirit, using your shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit, and acknowledging your security comes from the Captain of your Salvation (Hebrews 2:10). Give God all your thoughts. Then sit in quietness and listen for His response. Prayer makes the armor of God work by stepping into God’s presence. Put your name in the blank: “O ______________, trust in the LORD! He is your help and your shield.” Psalm 115:9. Then tell God, “LORD, listen and be gracious to me; LORD be my helper.” Psalm 30:10 HCSB.
Listen to Merce Me, Word of God Speak, w/Lyrics, March 29, 2016.