June 25th Daily Devotion
A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS
WHEN UNDER ATTACK PRAY
Ephesians 6:18 “. . . pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
Modern communication equipment is essential for those engaged in military operations and law enforcement. When engaged with the enemy it is critical to be able to send out requests for reinforcements, additional ammunition, advice, etc.
Someone with a high-powered automobile may think they can outrun the police officer. What they forget is the policeman is connected with all his fellow officers via his two-way communication. The radio message is far faster than any high-powered car.
When you are under attack by Satan or one of his allies God has given you the gift of prayer. In a matter of seconds, through saying a prayer you are able to communicate your needs to God. The Psalmist wrote, “In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.” (Psalm 18:6) God, through the pen of Isaiah promises, "Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear." (Isaiah 65:24)
There are times when you find it difficult to pray. The words you want or need to speak do not come to you. Just remember this promise found in Romans 8:26-27, “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.”
Jesus encourages you to pray with these words found in His sermon on the Mount: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8) Therefore, I encourage you with these words of St. Paul, “Pray ceaselessly!” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Prayer: Lord, send Your Spirit into my heart to guide me in my prayers. Hear my petitions as they come from my heart. Answer me, not according to my will but as You know what is good and best for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Eternal Spirit of the living Christ,
I know not how to ask or what to say;
I only know my need, as deep as life,
And only You can teach me how to pray.
Come, pray in me the prayer I need this day;
Help me to see Your purpose and Your will—
Where I have failed, what I have done amiss;
Held in forgiving love, let me be still.
Come with the strength I lack, bring vision clear
Of human need; O give me eyes to see
Fulfillment of my life in love out-poured,
My life in You, O Christ, Your love in me. (LSB 769)