22 December, 2020
💞 Dear Royal Praying Priests, shalom!
💎 “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” (Eph 6:18, ESV)
In the last three weeks, we have reviewed the first three principles for the churches that thrive in the crisis. Today, let us look into the fourth principle together.
4. Churches that thrive in the crisis pray the prayers that only God can answer. Their prayers change from self-reliance to Spirit-reliance.
In Ephesians 6:18, the word “all” occurs four times, and it comes from the Greek word “πᾶς” (pas) . “Praying at all [πᾶς: pas] times in the Spirit, with all [πᾶς: pas] prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all [πᾶς: pas] perseverance, making supplication for all [πᾶς: pas] the saints.”
- When? At all times [καιρός: kairos]
To pray the prayers that only God can answer, we ought to pray a measure of time whether a larger or a smaller portion. We pray in a fixed and definite time when things are brought to crisis (Rom 13:11, 2Co 6:2). We pray in the opportune time (Luk 4:13), and we pray in the seasonable time (from time to time, 2Th 2:17).
- What? All prayer and supplication!
To pray the prayers that only God can answer, we pray with all prayer and supplication. We pray with our spirit (in tongues), and we pray with our understanding (2Co 14:15). We pray individually, and we also pray corporately.
- For whom? All the saints!
To pray the prayers that only God can answer, we pray for ourselves, and we also pray for all the saints. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (Jas 5:16)
- How? With all perseverance! [προσκαρτέρησις : proskarterases]
To pray the prayers that only God can answer, we pray with all perseverance. In Greek, “perseverance” means to adhere, to be devoted or constant to, to be steadfastly attentive to, to persevere and not to faint. When we pray with all perseverance, we lock in and we do not let go until we obtain it! (Act 1:14, 2:42, Col 4:2)
During crises, when churches pray all times, with all prayer and supplication for all the saints with all perseverance, our prayers are renewed and transformed. We will no longer be self-reliant; we will rely on the Spirit to walk through the storms.
🙏 Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us the principles to thrive in the crises, so every crisis can be a turning point for Your glory to be revealed and for us to soar like eagles with You! Dear Father, forgive our sins of prayerlessness and complaints when crisis hits us or challenges come into our ways. Help us to focus on You and teach us to pray the powerful and effective prayer to glorify Your name. In the name of Yeshua we pray and bless you, Amen.