Ephesians 6:18 - Printer Friendly

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—

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.

Ephesians 6:10–20 concludes Paul's practical application of Christianity with a famous series of metaphors. Here, he describes the ''armor of God.'' In this passage, Paul uses the allegory of a Roman soldier's basic equipment to show how the components of Christianity work together as we strive to serve God. The soldier's tools include a belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword. In parallel, the Christian's implements are truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Christians are also given prayer. Just as a soldier's equipment is designed for their earthly battle, a Christian's equipment is meant for spiritual warfare.

Paul gives specific instructions to children and fathers, stressing obedience and patience, respectively. He also directs servants to serve with sincerity and good intentions, as if they were working for Christ. Masters are warned not to be harsh: the same God who judges all will not give them preference over those they supervised. All Christians are called on to use the tools given us by God for surviving the attacks of the devil. These are imagined as pieces of a suit of armor. Paul ends this letter in his typical style, with prayer, blessings, and news about his plans.

Ephesians opens with three chapters of doctrine, followed by three chapters of practical application. This final chapter of Paul's letter focuses on specific ways Christians should live. It also summarizes the spiritual tools we are given by God, imagining them as a suit of armor. Paul pulls the same basic ideas from the rest of letter together, showing how Christians should live out their knowledge of what salvation in Christ really means.

Ephesians follows a theme common in Paul's writings: connecting theory with practice. In this book, however, he goes into greater depth before making the transition. As a letter meant to be read by more than just the believers at Ephesus, this is an important look at how Christian belief should translate into Christian action. The first three chapters lay out spiritual ideas, the last three chapters show how these truths should be applied in the life of a mature believer. Paul focuses heavily on love, the unity of the Christian church, and the incredible value of our salvation through Christ.