And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 6:18, NIV
Recommended Reading: Philippians 4:6-7
A centurion in the armies of Rome commanded a cohort of eighty soldiers; they were considered the backbone of the Roman army. Centurions are mentioned several times in the New Testament, two by name: Cornelius (Acts 10:1-8) and Julius (Acts 27:1-6). Centurions received orders through the chain of command and conveyed them to their soldiers.
When Paul used a Roman soldier’s armor to illustrate the Christian’s spiritual armor, he did not mention a centurion. But in the verse immediately following his description of spiritual armor, he exhorted the Ephesian believers to be diligent in prayer—to be alert and pray continually for all the saints. Just as a Roman soldier depended on his commanding centurion for direction and strategy, so Christians need to depend on their Commander for daily guidance. Prayer “in the Spirit” is how we stay in touch with God who guides us and strengthens us to be victorious in spiritual warfare.
As you prepare each day to engage in victorious Christian living, begin with Spirit-led prayer as you put on the whole armor of God.
I live in the spirit of prayer…and the answers are always coming.
George Müller
