Ephesians 6:18-20
"Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion." In one sense, we can't really pray at all times and on every occasion. But we can be right with God at all times and on every occasion, and so be ready to pray whenever a need comes our way. And we can be quick to thank God for His protection and blessings. Last night I saw an incident in which a child was nearly hit by a car. Maybe it wasn't that close, but it looked pretty close to me. I immediately thanked God for sparing that child. And even during the night I woke up and remembered that scene and thanked God for His love and protection. Brief prayers should be our natural response to every situation as we go about our business. Of course, we don't speak these out loud, but God reads minds!
"Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." I'm afraid sometimes our prayers are all about us and ours. This is all good, but must not forget others who desperately need God's help. We should pray for believers we know and for those we don't know. We should pray for missionaries in lonely places in the world and for persecuted believers in dangerous places.
"And pray for me, too." Paul was not afraid to ask others to pray for him. This is not a sign of weakness, but a sign that we understand how much we need God! Paul asked for prayer that he would be able to speak boldly about God's plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. He reminds them and us that he is preaching this message even as he is in jail! Wow!
Psalm 79
Asaph is rightly outraged by the violence that has been leveled against God's people by their enemies even though he knows they are being judged for their rebellion. And yet he still trusts God. This is the true test of our faith--do we trust God when things are hard?
"Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name, Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name." v. 9 Asaph didn't blame God, but he confessed his sin and prayed to God.
"Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will thank you forever and ever, praising your greatness from generation to generation." v. 13 There's that "thank you" word again! We must be a thankful people, always praising our God.
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