“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Eph. 6:18).
Prayer for believers is vital in this day and hour. Many people think the Bible is outdated and out of touch with “today’s world.” On the contrary, the Scriptures are clear concerning the necessity of prayer—prayer for your nation, your leaders, and your family.
And we must do as it says in order to hold back Satan’s attack, and maintain the victory Jesus has given to us. We must pray, because without prayer we will have no peace.
We are commanded to pray. And Ephesians 6:18-19 tells us exactly how to pray. t is the fervent, heartfelt prayer that gets results. Ephesians says to pray always with all prayer and supplication. Supplication is an earnest entreaty. It is a heartfelt prayer.
This is not a dispassionate prayer. This is a highly interested prayer. Supplication is where an individual has made a decision to do even some concentrated prayer. It is a prayer in which you are fully alert.
Ephesians 6:19 says we are to watch. Now the Greek word “watching” means, “sleeplessness; to keep awake.”
In other words you need to persevere. You need to persevere so that you are not asleep to what is happening to the saints (or believers). You should be wide awake to see what is happening to your brothers and sisters in the Lord. Now you can begin to pray concerning what you see.
And even though what you see is limited, you can pray the full facts by getting over into the spirit. Praying in the spirit is praying in other tongues. And when you pray in other tongues, you are praying the perfect will of God about that issue.
Isn’t God good? He has left us a vehicle that, regardless of what the enemy tries to do, we have a way to get to the Father so He can come and manifest Himself on our behalf. And we can do it, not just for ourselves, but for all saints. Not just all the urban saints. Not just all the Detroit saints. Not just all the black or white saints, but for all saints.
He said “…for all saints…” and that means pray for the saints of the world. Did you ever pray for the world? Did you ever take the globe out and put your arm around it and just begin to pray for countries. Pray for the saints all over the world.
That is the will of God for you. Set aside some time and let the Lord lead you to pray for other countries.
Be a person of prayer. Take the time today to pray for saints all around the world. Pray for them to be strong and of good courage. Pray for their safety and protection from danger. Your prayer is vital. For without prayer, there is no peace. And with prayer, peace prevails.
Scripture reference: Philippians 4:6-7
Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).