EPHESIANS 6:18-24 - PERSISTENT PREPARATION IN PRAYER

Ephesians 6:18-24

PERSISTENT PREPARATION IN PRAYER

We are beginning something new that we hope will be helpful. When we look up a word in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, we will put the Strong’s number in superscript after the word. That way if you wish to look it up for yourself, it will be easier for you. If you do not own a copy of Strong’s, you may use an online version such as the one found at http://biblehub.com/strongs.htm

Ephesians 6:18 Praying⁴³³⁵ always with all prayer and supplication¹¹⁶² in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

MacArthur Study Bible:

6:18 This verse introduces the general character of a believer’s prayer life: 1) “all prayer and supplication” focuses on the variety; 2) “always” focuses on the frequency (cf. Rom. 12:12; Phil. 4:6; 1 Thess. 5:17); 3) “in the Spirit” focuses on submission, as we line up with the will of God (cf. Rom. 8:26, 27); 4) “being watchful” focuses on the manner (cf. Matt. 26:41; Mark 13:33); 5) “all perseverance” focuses on the persistence (cf. Luke 11:9; 18:7, 8); and 6) “all saints” focuses on the objects (cf. 1 Sam. 12:23).

Prayer indicates worshipful, humble prayer. The Greek word sounds like our word prostrate, a position of humility before our King. Adoration and praise should always be a part of our prayer life. Confession and thanksgiving are another component of our worshipping the Lord in prayer. Supplication is petition, requesting something from God for the person being lifted up in prayer. When we remind ourselves of the awesomeness of our Lord, we can confidently make our requests known to Him.

Pray always – never stop praying. We are to be alert to pray in every situation. Being in an attitude of prayer means we can immediately switch from person to person conversation to communicating with the Heavenly Father about their needs.

What does it mean to pray in the Spirit? We need to be vertically lined up when we pray, praying in accordance with the will of God. As we saw in our study of John’s gospel, praying “in Jesus name” means in a manner that glorifies Him.

We are to be the watchman on the wall, the person on guard duty in our prayer lives. We should be awake and observant, to be ready to pray at all times. When we see a need in the Messianic Community (those who believe Jesus to be the Messiah), we should lift it immediately to the One who can meet it. We should also be prepared to pray for the Lord to draw those who have not yet trusted in Him.

Ephesians 6:19 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,

Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for him as well. He asks that the Lord would give him the words and enable him to boldly preach the gospel even in his situation of being imprisoned for doing so. This is in accordance with what Jesus told His disciples:

Matthew 10:17-19 (NASB) But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; 18 and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say.

Note that he did not ask them to pray for his personal comfort or even for his release. The mystery unlocked was that the gospel was intended for ALL who believe and trust in Jesus, not only the Jews.

Ephesians 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (NASB) Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Paul had already been speaking boldly which is why he found himself in prison in the first place. Still, he asks them to pray that he will continue to unashamedly preach the gospel no matter the consequences. Paul did not want his humanity to get the best of him but wanted to continue walking and moving by the Spirit. His desire was to be faithful ambassador for the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 6:21 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

Tychicus was a convert to Christianity from Asia Minor and had been sent by Paul on missionary journeys. He was carrying the letter to the Ephesians and could give them a first-hand report of how Paul was faring in prison.

Ephesians 6:22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

Paul wanted to reassure the Ephesians that he was doing well. He did not want them to be overly concerned about his condition.

Ephesians 6:23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity⁸⁶¹. Amen.

Paul prays that the God-head would grant the believers at Ephesus and all who would read this letter as it was passed to other churches peace, love, and faith. He also asks that grace for daily living be granted to all who have trusted Jesus, those whose love for Him could not be destroyed.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible:

Sincerity⁸⁶¹ – aphtharsia – incorruptibility: gen. unending existence. (fig.) genuineness – immortality, incorruption, sincerity.

Ponder this: Prayer is really the final piece of the armor of God. Prayer and Bible Study are how we receive the battle plan from our Captain, Jesus Christ. Praying prepares us for battle, encourages us in the midst of battle, and comforts us during the difficulties of spiritual battle. It is also the way we can build up ourselves and others as we engage in spiritual warfare.