And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requestsWith this in 
mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints

Ephesians 6:18

November 19, 2025 

The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Jesus Christ; thus, prayer in the Spirit is about Jesus. Paul admonished the Ephesians to pray in the Spirit on all occasions; thus, Jesus was to be the central focus of prayer.  This does not come naturally to any of us, but we are commanded to pursue it.   

Each piece of the full armor of God is only made effective by prayer in the Spirit.   The belt of truth is the Truth, as Jesus said, “I am the the way, the truth and the life.”   The breastplate of righteousness is the perfect righteousness of our Lord, imparted to us.  The gospel of peace terminated our war with God and brought us into a loving relationship with Him through the cross of the Prince of peace.  The shield of faith is faith in Christ alone, which extinguishes the flaming accusations of the evil one, because we are constantly reminded of our forgiveness in Christ.  The helmet of salvation is placed upon our heads because Christ has saved us.  The sword of the Spirit is the word of God, which points to Jesus throughout its pages.    

We are to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests because the gospel, which is all about Jesus, is relevant to everything.  There is never a wrong time to pray, and God is always ready to listen and to receive our petitions.  All kinds of prayers include:  praise of our great Redeemer who has saved us, thanksgiving that He has chosen to bring us out of darkness into His light, repentance from sin that all too often ensnares us but is forgiven, and laying the needs of others and ourselves before Him for HIs supply or intervention. 

We are to pray with intention, having our minds engaged and alert.   We are to be praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ, both here and around the globe.  We should have times specifically set aside to pray.  Prayer should also be an integral part of our daily activities.  We can pray while driving, walking, washing dishes, shoveling snow, folding laundry, caring for children, and doing yard work, among other activities.  We must never stop praying for others, those who are not yet saved and those who have come to the Savior.  Everyone needs prayer. 

Questions for reflection and discussion:   

  • What is your practice of prayer in the Spirit?    
  • What kinds of prayers and requests do you present to the Lord?   
  • Who are the unsaved people you are praying for?  
  •  What saints are you praying for with alertness?      

Church Reading Plan: 1 Chronicles 13-14; James 1