“Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints – and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gospel,” Ephesians 6:18-19.
The apostle Paul is pointing to the importance of prayer in the life of a Christian. What is prayer? Prayer is a heart-to-heart talk with God. Paul stresses that we should find time and take time to talk with our heavenly Father. He urges us to pray “for all the saints” – that is, for all the Christians living here on earth. Then the apostle added a special plea that his fellow believers would pray for him in particular. He needed the prayers of fellow believers that he would have the courage to open his mouth boldly to proclaim the Gospel.
We remember that the apostle faced a lot of opposition in fulfilling his calling to preach the Gospel. Today, too, there are those who want to silence the voice of every person who witnesses for Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the only Savior for sinners. The sinful nature does not want to hear about sin or the Savior, who loved us and sacrificed Himself for us on Calvary’s cross. Jesus’ enemies thought that they had silenced the Savior. However, on Easter morning, He rose from the grave and conquered sin, death, and the devil for us.
Our heavenly Father hears our prayers. The Son of God listens to our pleading and our praise to Him. The Holy Spirit has open ears to all of our requests. Each of us needs the urging: Watch and pray, and firmly believe that God hears and answers our prayers. Hymn writers express it so beautifully:
“With the Lord begin thy task, Jesus will direct it;
For His aid and counsel ask, Jesus will perfect it.
Every morn with Jesus rise, and when day is ended,
In His name then close thine eyes; be to Him commended.
Let each day begin with prayer, praise, and adoration;
On the Lord cast every care, He is thy Salvation.
Morning, evening, and at night, Jesus will be near thee,
Save thee from the tempter’s might, with His presence cheer thee.”
“While yet the morn is breaking, I thank my God once more,
Beneath whose care awaking, I find the night is o’er.
I thank Him that He calls me to life and health anew;
I know whate’er befalls me, His care will still be true.
Oh, grant us peace and gladness, give us our daily bread,
Shield us from grief and sadness, on us Thy blessings shed.
Grant that our whole behavior, in truth and righteousness,
May praise Thee, Lord our Savior, whose holy name we bless.” Amen.
Have you begun this day with prayer? Remember, it’s not too late!