It is important for all good soldiers to keep in touch with Headquarters or the battle may be lost. Many battles have been lost in war as communications have been lost with the generals at Headquarters. See 2 Chronicles 32:7-8. The battle is not down to an individual alone for victory. God wins the victory for us in the spiritual battle. Jesus changed the world through prayer in three short years!

1 – The persistence of the warrior’s prayer

Notice the use of the word “all”. See also Luke 18:1 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17. The receiver to Heaven has to let off the hook! An attitude of constant prayer means that we are always in the presence of God. Satan will use any device to stop us from praying.

Prayer is not the result of our emotion. God hears our prayers despite our emotions! Prayer is like work. We may not like to do it but once we get going we enjoy it! It is an irony that persistent temptation can lead to persistent prayer. It is not about what we want but rather about what we can become. Prayer changes things and also people.

2 – The possibilities of the warrior’s prayer

What sort of possibilities does prayer create?

• We are to pray on all occasions.
• We are to prayer in all places.
• We are to pray in prosperity or adversity.
• We are to pray for all things. E.g. Home, work, family, etc.

If you need help then ask God. The disciples did not ask Jesus about teaching them how to preach. They said, “Lord, teach us to pray”.

3 – The petition of the warrior’s prayer

We are to bring our supplications to God in prayer. Ask God what you need. See Matthew 7:7-8. God could do anything He wished but He has hardwired much of it through our prayers. The Bible is full of examples! Don’t just talk to people about your problems – ask God! You ask in order to receive. God responds to persistent prayer! We give up too easy. A warrior’s prayer life is one that keeps attacking until victory is won.

4 – The power of the warrior’s prayer

It is the power of the Holy Spirit within the Christian. It is the Holy Spirit who inspired the Word of God and it is within each Christian. See Romans 8:26-27. The Holy Spirit helps us to pray with power.

5 – The precision of the warrior’s prayer

We are to watch. We are to be on alert. We are to guard against things that hinder our prayer life. We are to watch and pray! The world, flesh and devil are our enemies. We are to win over these enemies.

Nehemiah defeated his enemies by prayer. See Nehemiah 4:9. Like him we are to watch and pray. Be spiritually alert. See Colossians 4:2. Be vigilant so you are not caught out by a surprise attack.

6 – The perseverance of the warrior’s prayer

The early Church got it! See Acts 1:14; 2:42; 6:4; Romans 12:12. We need to hold on and not give in for any reason. When you stop praying then get started again!

7 – The purpose of the warrior’s prayer

You pray for others rather than yourself. We are to intercede for one another. A greater fear drives out a lesser fear. Forget our own situations. Don’t let them burden you down. There are always others worse off and in greater need. They need our prayers.

When you are well, then you think you are in charge. When you are sick, then you know you are not! Troubles build character in the saint of God.

Categories: Ephesians