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Ephesians 6:18
ESV 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,
NIV And 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 Lord’s people.
NASB With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints,
CSB Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
NLT Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
KJV Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
NKJV praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

What does Ephesians 6:18 mean?

After describing the pieces of the armor of God, Paul adds another important part of spiritual battle: prayer. This is not a piece of spiritual armor, yet is essential to winning spiritual battles. Why? Prayer connects us to the power of God, which is necessary to defeat spiritual enemies. Communication in battle is often the difference between victory and defeat. This is especially true when referring to soldiers hearing the instructions of their Commander.

Paul then notes some specific applications of prayer in this verse and the next. First, believers are to pray "in the Spirit." Our prayers are not merely our thoughts or about our desires, but are to be done in submission to God.

Next, we are to "keep alert." While we may not be literally praying every waking second, there is never a good time to set prayer aside. It's a tool we need to have in constant use (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Third, prayer is something to do "with all perseverance." We do not pray once each day and then stop. We are to talk with God persistently and about all matters. Nothing is too big or too small to discuss with the Lord.

Finally, Paul highlights the importance of praying for the needs of other believers. We praise God in prayer, pray for our own needs, and also pray for the needs of others. Each of these areas is important.
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