Stand and Pray

Ephesians 6:10-20

Two words keep on repeating. Stand and Pray.

The premise on these three instances of standing is putting the full armor of God.

Stand against the devil's schemes, his temptations and oppressions (v. 11). It's a lie that one cannot resist him or his temptations. James tells us to resist him and he will flee. One can fight him in Spirit and the full armor of God.

Stand when the day of evil comes (v. 13). The days of evil are inevitable as everyone experiences tragedies and loss in varying levels in different times. Preparation is the ally of the God's soldier. A soldier of God must endure and not run away on days of hardships.

Stand firm (v. 14). Paul is not only speaking of momentary vigilance. At another place in this verse he says to be alert at all times. While we are in the world, the enemy will continue to try and destroy us (for we are God's crown of creation which he will never be). This is our defense against the enemy.

Three things praying is mentioned by Paul. Two mentions the manner we ought to pray. Three, what we ought to pray for.

Pray in the Spirit (v. 18). Pray in humility to the leading of the Holy Spirit, as one aligns with His will for whatever one is praying for. Pray in the unknown tongue the Spirit has bestowed to the one who has been baptized in fire. Perhaps the most powerful offense a Christian has in his spiritual artillery.

Pray at all times (v. 18). There are two "modes" of prayer. We may call it formal and informal prayers (for lack of a better term). Formal prayer are set appointments with the Lord to offer our worship and supplications to Him, absent of distractions within and around our body, mind and soul. Informal prayers are one must be accustomed to for we may not yet know it. By constantly being aware of the Spirit, just as one does his work with a companion, in simple conversations and supplications (Nehemiah's prayers are described as arrow prayers).

Pray with all kinds of prayer and requests (v. 18). The keyword here is "all kinds". It is comforting to realize that our God is a God who is able to answer "all kinds" of needs one can have. He is not only a Master Provider, but a loving Father, that desires to see the joy in His children, even in the simplest joy and surprises of life.

Pray for all the saints (v. 18). As the Christian grows he must understand that he is part of a bigger picture of God's story. Therefore, we must not only pray for our needs, but the needs of others, especially those of the faith.

Pray the fearless declaration of the gospel (v. 19, 20). As a Christian bearing the name of Christ, one must realize that he has become part of an ever-growing and ever-extending kingdom of God in the world. And one must pray for the agressive expansion of the gospel. Paul mentions praying for him as God's minister, but we ought also to pray for ourselves for confidence in living a victorious life, perhaps the only visible image of Christ to your family, friends and spheres of influence; Confidence to stand and speak for what is right against the world's backward flow to corruption.