Pray for the Church

Prayer

(Ephesians 6:18)

It is the prayer that enables the full armor of soldiers in spiritual warfare to work properly. For Christians who face the relentless attacks of the enemy in this battle, prayer—whatever its type or form—must never cease.

1. In the Spirit
Prayer must be offered “in the Spirit.” We often say that we pray “by the Spirit,” but such an expression can give the impression of treating Him as an instrument or a means. If we become accustomed to thinking in this way, we may fall into the danger of treating the Spirit as a power or helper to be used whenever we wish. To pray “in the Spirit” is to align our thoughts and will to be consistent with the scope and content of prayer that the Spirit permits. Those who pray in this way do not use the Spirit’s power to fulfill their fleshly desires. On the contrary, they acknowledge His sovereignty and submit themselves to Him.

2. With All Perseverance
The command to “watch” and pray does not mean that we are to reduce our hours of sleep in order to pray. When our hearts are absorbed in the world and chasing after what is vain, we cannot truly pray. We are to pray for spiritual needs, and even if the answer to that prayer does not appear quickly, we must not give up but pray with “all perseverance.” We must not doubt that prayer offered according to God’s will is surely conveyed to Him, and we must continue constantly until the result of that prayer is revealed.

3. For the Church
If we have truly received the inheritance of heaven, the prayer we must place first on this earth should be related to spiritual warfare. In particular, prayer “for the church” is not an option; it is a duty for those who have been called as members of the church. Let us pray that all believers may overcome the attacks of the enemy and guard the victory the Lord has given to us. This prayer is a mighty proof that we stand within the great grace of God. Today as well, let us join our hearts to bear the joint-responsibility for the church, our eternal community of destiny.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim