Pray!

Pray!

“Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).” 

Ephesians 6:18 AMPC

Paul was concluding this letter to the church in Ephesus and he was speaking to different classes of people: slaves, masters, children and parents. For each group, there was a right way to engage so that the message of Christ will be attractive to others. No matter my station in life, or what I have or lack now, the call of God upon my life requires me to be careful and intentional about how I conduct myself. The understanding of who and where I am will help me stay strong and focused on what God desires from and for me. Do you know who and whose you are? Are you clear on God's expectations from you? As we always say: God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. 

The introduction to the part where the verse above is taken from reads: “In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].” It is only IN Him that I can draw the strength that is referred to here. It is only in union with Him that my output can reflect His inner presence. It is my association with Him that will drive my presentation. One way to get the strength that is in focus here is to pray the way the verse above lays it out: IN the Spirit. It is a focus on the One who knows the mind of God and can help me focus on what really matters. I do not know how to pray as I ought, but the Spirit of God is able to direct ny heart and thoughts appropriately. The Spirit of God is the enabler, strengthener and support. 

It is not a one-off; it is a stready engagement. You do not do it only when it feels good, but at all times. It is not a formular for always getting what you want; it is a process of submission whereby God is able to work on and in me to be what He wants me to be. 

There is also the need to balance prayer with watching in alertness. You pray, and then you observe. You keep at it. The heart is always in a state of alertness to what God is saying, so that the knees and lips can respomd the right way. There may be a change in direction as instructed when God has my heart and full attention. I must also pray for God's people too. The change that God wants to do in my world will be led by broken and yielded vessels. Am I one? Can God count on me to also raise one? God's time of favour is here.