"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 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..." Ephesians 6:10-18
The Apostle Paul wants the believers in Ephesus to realize that a life of dependence/waiting on God in prayer is essential if they are to engage successfully in their continual warfare with the powers of darkness.
Westminster Shorter Catechism, Question 98
Q: What is prayer?
A: Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.
New City Catechism, Question 38
Q: What is prayer?
A: Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God in praise, petition, confession of sin, and thanksgiving.
The four A-L-L-S:
1. Praying at all times in the Spirit. The Christian is to walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5.16), put sin to death in the Spirit (Romans 8.13-14), worship by the Spirit (Philippians 3.3).
"Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." Romans 8:26-27
"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30
2. Pray…with all prayer and supplication, (all types of prayer at all times).
3. Keep alert with all perseverance. (We pray as awakened and informed believers as we renounce the spiritual sleepwalking of the darkness around us.) We pray with an expectation of the Lord's return (Philippians 4.5).
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." Colossians 4:2
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
4. For all the saints.
"Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in His strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting there.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the strife will not be long;
this day the noise of battle,
the next the victor's song.
To him who over-cometh
a crown of life shall be;
they with the King of Glory
shall reign eternally."
George Duffield Jr., Stand Up for Jesus
APPLICATION/STATEMENTS:
1. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and the crucified, risen Christ Jesus intercedes for us at the Father's right hand!
2. The life of worshipful obedience is linked to the ongoing power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).
3. …All types of prayers, at all times, at all places.
4. Always awake versus unfocused and drifting.
5. The continual warfare necessitates the continual pleading for the Lord's empowering.