Free to Pray

“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”  Ephesians 6:18

Have you considered lately what an incredible honor it is to pray? Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can have a conversation with the God of the universe. The God who spoke the world into existence is willing to listen to us and to respond. This should blow our minds!

In Ephesians 6, Paul encourages believers to pray, pray, pray. No matter what, pray. Don’t stop meeting with God. There is a sense of urgency in this passage. “Wake up!” Paul says. “Pray!” And what are we to pray for? In a word: everything. Big or small, important or mundane, healthy or sick, rich or poor, easy or hard…pray…and then pray some more.

Maybe this is one reason that Paul’s life had such an impact…prayer. Many times we can get so busy trying to “live for God” that we neglect to call on Him. We fail to thank Him and praise Him. We forget to pray for our brothers and sisters. We take the freedom to pray for granted.

Did you know that there was a time when God’s people could not commune with God in prayer the way we can? Under the Old Covenant, God’s presence dwelled behind a curtain, with the people, but not in them.  Only a select few spoke with God personally. But, as the Bride of Christ through the New Covenant of grace, we have the freedom to pray in the Spirit all the time with all kinds of requests.

Do you appreciate this freedom? Much like political freedom, it was not free. Just as many brave soldiers have died to give us freedom, Jesus died to give us the freedom to have a personal relationship with God. And prayer is one of the greatest benefits of this relationship.

Father, it is humbling to know that when I talk to You, You listen. I ask that You would align my will with Yours so that my prayers are effective and in accordance with Your perfect plans. Remind me throughout the day to pray continually, not just for my own needs, but also for the burdens and needs of others. In Jesus’ name, amen.