Ephesians 6:18
Verse
Context
The Full Armor of God
17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel,
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Praying always - The apostle does not put praying among the armor; had he done so he would have referred it, as he has done all the rest, to some of the Grecian armor; but as he does not do this, therefore we conclude that his account of the armor is ended, and that now, having equipped his spiritual soldier, he shows him the necessity of praying, that he may successfully resist those principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and the spiritual wickednesses in heavenly places, with whom he has to contend. The panoply, or whole armor of God, consists in, 1. the girdle; 2. the breast-plate; 3. the greaves; 4. the shield; 5. the helmet; and 6. the sword. He who had these was completely armed. And as it was the custom of the Grecian armies, before they engaged, to offer prayers to the gods for their success, the apostle shows that these spiritual warriors must depend on the Captain of their salvation, and pray with all prayer, i.e. incessantly, being always in the spirit of prayer, so that they should be ever ready for public, private, mental, or ejaculatory prayer, always depending on Him who can alone save, and who alone can destroy. When the apostle exhorts Christians to pray with all prayer, we may at once see that he neither means spiritual nor formal prayer, in exclusion of the other. Praying, προσευχομενοι, refers to the state of the spirit as well as to the act. With all prayer - Refers to the different kinds of prayer that is performed in public, in the family, in the closet, in business, on the way, in the heart without a voice, and with the voice from the heart. All those are necessary to the genuine Christian; and he whose heart is right with God will be frequent in the whole. "Some there are," says a very pious and learned writer, who use only mental prayer or ejaculations, and think they are in a state of grace, and use a way of worship far superior to any other; but such only fancy themselves to be above what is really above them; it requiring far more grace to be enabled to pour out a fervent and continued prayer, than to offer up mental aspirations." Rev. J. Wesley. And supplication - There is a difference between προσευχη, prayer, and δεησις, supplication. Some think the former means prayer for the attainment of good; the latter, prayer for averting evil. Supplication however seems to mean prayer continued in, strong and incessant pleadings, till the evil is averted, or the good communicated. There are two things that must be attended to in prayer. 1. That it be εν παντι καιρῳ, in every time, season, or opportunity; 2. That it should be εν Πνευματι, in or through the Spirit - that the heart should be engaged in it, and that its infirmities should be helped by the Holy Ghost, Watching thereunto - Being always on your guard lest your enemies should surprise you. Watch, not only against evil, but also for opportunities to do good, and for opportunities to receive good. Without watchfulness, prayer and all the spiritual armor will be ineffectual. With all perseverance - Being always intent on your object, and never losing sight of your danger, or of your interest. The word implies stretching out the neck, and looking about, in order to discern an enemy at a distance. For all saints - For all Christians; for this was the character by which they were generally distinguished.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
always--Greek, "in every season"; implying opportunity and exigency (Col 4:2). Paul uses the very words of Jesus in Luk 21:36 (a Gospel which he quotes elsewhere, in undesigned consonance with the fact of Luke being his associate in travel, Co1 11:23, &c.; Ti1 5:18). Compare Luk 18:1; Rom 12:12; Th1 5:17. with all--that is, every kind of. prayer--a sacred term for prayer in general. supplication--a common term for a special kind of prayer [HARLESS], an imploring request. "Prayer" for obtaining blessings, "supplication" for averting evils which we fear [GROTIUS]. in the Spirit--to be joined with "praying." It is he in us, as the Spirit of adoption, who prays, and enables us to pray (Rom 8:15, Rom 8:26; Gal 4:6; Jde 1:20). watching--not sleeping (Eph 5:14; Psa 88:13; Mat 26:41). So in the temple a perpetual watch was maintained (compare Anna, Luk 2:37). thereunto--"watching unto" (with a view to) prayer and supplication. with--Greek, "in." Persevering constancy ("perseverance") and (that is, exhibited in) supplication are to be the element in which our watchfulness is to be exercised. for all saints--as none is so perfect as not to need the intercessions of his fellow Christians.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit,.... The last weapon is prayer, and takes in all sorts of prayer, mental and vocal, public and private; and every branch of it, as deprecation of evils, petitions for good things, and thanksgiving for mercies: and which should be used always: this stands opposed to such who pray not at all, or who have prayed, but have left it off; or who pray only in distress, and it suggests, that a man should pray as often as he has an opportunity; and particularly, that he should make use of it in times of darkness, desertion, and temptation: and this, when performed aright, is performed "in the Spirit"; with the heart, soul, and spirit engaged in it; it is put up with a true heart, and a right spirit, and without hypocrisy; in a spiritual way, and with fervency, and under the influence, and by the assistance of the Spirit of God. And watching thereunto; either to the word, as a direction for prayer, or to prayer itself; for opportunities to pray for the assistance of the Spirit in prayer, for an answer of it, and to return thanks for blessings when bestowed; and against all dependence on it, and against Satan's temptations, and our own corruptions with respect to it: with all perseverance; in it, notwithstanding what Satan and an unbelieving heart may suggest to the contrary: and supplication for all saints; of every nation, age, sex, and condition, in all places, and of every denomination. So Christ taught his disciples to pray, saying, our Father, suggesting, that they were not only to pray for themselves, but for all the children of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:18 Paul contrasts purely mental prayer with prayer in the Spirit, prayer that arises from the Spirit of God within (see 1 Cor 14:15; Jude 1:20; cp. Rom 8:26-27). • at all times and on every occasion: Believers are to make prayer a way of life and turn the whole of life into prayer (see Phil 4:6-7; 1 Thes 5:17)—not simply for themselves, but for all believers everywhere. • Stay alert and be persistent: Because the danger of the devil is constant.
Ephesians 6:18
The Full Armor of God
17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Powerful Warning - Lest We Forget the Message
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Interview of Leonard Ravenhill by David Mainse
By Leonard Ravenhill6.0K12:07RevivalInterviewPrayer in MinistryMAT 21:13LUK 18:1ACT 6:4ROM 12:12EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:171TI 2:1JAS 5:16Leonard Ravenhill, in an interview with David Mainse, emphasizes the critical need for prayer in ministry, arguing that a lack of prayer life among preachers leads to a spiritually stagnant church. He reflects on the early church's commitment to prayer and contrasts it with the modern church's focus on organization and performance. Ravenhill calls for a revival of genuine prayer and intercession, suggesting that the church must return to its roots of seeking God earnestly. He also highlights the importance of preachers dedicating time to prepare spiritually, not just intellectually, for their messages. Ultimately, Ravenhill urges ministers to prioritize their prayer life to foster a vibrant and impactful church.
Prayer Is a Warfare
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Prayer Causes Things to Happen
By John Piper4.4K03:21EPH 6:18PHP 4:61TH 5:16JAS 4:2This sermon emphasizes the profound impact of prayer, highlighting how prayers have the power to cause things to happen that would not occur if we did not pray. It challenges the notion that God's sovereignty negates the importance of prayer, emphasizing that prayer is a privilege that allows us to participate in God's divine plan and bring about events in the universe. The message urges believers to embrace this privilege and not neglect the opportunity to partner with God in shaping the course of events through prayer.
Personal Victory for the New Year
By A.W. Tozer4.3K42:16Victory1SA 3:4MAT 6:33MRK 13:371CO 16:13EPH 6:18COL 4:21TH 5:61PE 5:8In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a verse written by Paul, emphasizing the importance of being watchful as Christians. He highlights that we cannot simply muddle through the year and expect victory, but rather we must be alert and attentive. The preacher compares the idea of loafing and dreaming to watching, stating that the Bible portrays men as watchers. He emphasizes that we cannot expect an easy journey, but rather we must be prepared for all kinds of weather and challenges. The sermon encourages listeners to be proactive in taking care of themselves, their families, and their testimonies, reminding them that they must stay vigilant throughout the year.
Pray Big and Pray Bold
By Sundar Krishnan3.9K24:59PSA 2:1ACT 4:31EPH 6:18COL 4:2JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the power of intercessory prayer in shaping the future and creating a better world. It explores the concept of spiritual defiance through prayer, believing in God's promises, and surveying the future with faith. The sermon delves into Acts chapter 4, highlighting the prayer of the early church in the face of opposition, showcasing the attributes of God and the importance of boldness in prayer.
"Praying Payson of Portland"
By Leonard Ravenhill3.8K00:59EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17JAS 5:16This sermon reflects on the powerful legacy of a praying patient in Portland who dedicated himself to fervent prayer, leaving physical marks on his knees as a testament to his commitment. It emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer and intercession, highlighting the impact of a life devoted to seeking God.
(Exodus) Exodus 17:8-12
By J. Vernon McGee3.6K04:08ExpositionalEXO 17:9EXO 17:11MAT 26:41ROM 8:13GAL 5:17EPH 6:181TH 5:17In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites, which represents the conflict between the flesh and the spirit. The Amalekites, descendants of Esau, symbolize the flesh, and the Israelites, inexperienced in warfare, struggle to overcome them. The preacher emphasizes that victory over the flesh can only be achieved through the power of the Holy Spirit. The battle is ultimately won through the prayer and intercession of Moses, as he holds up his hands with the rod of God.
When You Call Down Heaven
By Shane Idleman3.5K58:101CH 29:11MAT 6:6EPH 6:181TH 5:17JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer as a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. It highlights the need for a deeper walk with Christ through motives, positioning oneself to receive from God, and understanding the significance of prayer in calling down heaven. The message stresses the necessity of prioritizing prayer, seeking God's will, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil, while acknowledging God's sovereignty over all things.
The Awakening of 1792 Onward
By J. Edwin Orr3.5K28:122CH 7:14ACT 1:14EPH 6:18PHP 4:6JAS 5:16This sermon reflects on the historical context of the American Revolution, highlighting the presence of both men of God and those who were not, the moral decline post-war, and the transformative power of prayer leading to the Great Awakening of 1792. It emphasizes the impact of prayer movements in both Britain and America, resulting in societal transformation, the abolition of the slave trade, advancements in education, and the birth of missionary societies.
Ministry to the Poor
By Jackie Pullinger3.1K3:00:57NUM 32:20DEU 3:18JOS 1:9EPH 6:18This sermon shares a personal encounter with Jackie Koninja, a woman of faith, and the journey of inviting her to minister. It emphasizes the importance of stepping into the promised land, not settling for partial blessings, but crossing the Jordan to claim the full inheritance God has for us and interceding for others who have yet to receive their blessings.
(Audio) Lord Teach Us to Pray
By Leonard Ravenhill3.0K06:34LUK 18:1EPH 6:18PHP 4:61TH 5:16JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of learning how to truly pray, focusing on the heart posture and disposition rather than mere words or physical positions. It shares powerful examples of individuals like Payson who dedicated themselves to fervent prayer, demonstrating a lifestyle of continuous communion with God. The message challenges believers to prioritize prayer, highlighting the transformative impact of a deep and consistent prayer life on individuals and communities.
A Call to Anguish by David Wilkerson
By Compilations2.6K07:242CH 7:14PSA 34:18ISA 66:2JOL 2:12MAT 5:4ROM 12:11GAL 6:2EPH 6:18JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of anguish in the church and in individual believers' lives, highlighting the need for deep sorrow and distress over the spiritual condition of the church and the world. It calls for a return to true passion for Christ, which is born out of a baptism of anguish and a genuine burden for the things that break God's heart. The message challenges believers to move beyond mere concern to a place of deep prayer, weeping, and seeking God's heart in order to see true renewal and revival.
An Urgent Call to Prayer
By Al Whittinghill2.3K55:27Prayer LifeUrgency of PrayerCorporate Prayer2CH 7:14JOL 1:14MAT 18:20LUK 11:9JHN 14:13ACT 1:14EPH 6:18PHP 1:191TH 5:16JAS 5:16Al Whittinghill emphasizes the urgent need for prayer within the church, highlighting the significance of a Solemn Assembly as a time for believers to come together, set aside personal agendas, and seek God's heart for revival. He reflects on the early church's commitment to prayer and how it was the foundation for their growth and impact, urging the congregation to prioritize prayer as the essential work of the church. Whittinghill calls for a collective response to God's call, encouraging everyone to participate in prayer meetings and to recognize the power of corporate prayer in overcoming challenges and fulfilling God's purposes.
Tokens of His Compassion - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill2.1K09:35PSA 119:105ISA 46:9JHN 14:26ROM 8:26EPH 6:18This sermon reflects on the enduring love and faithfulness of God throughout history, emphasizing the reliability of His promises and the eternal nature of His Word. It acknowledges the transformative power of God's presence and the importance of seeking peace and comfort in times of trouble. The sermon also delves into the profound impact of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers and the significance of prayer in aligning with God's will.
(The Sufficiency of the Saviour) 5. for Prayer Life
By Stephen Olford2.1K1:03:20Sufficiency Of The Saviour2CH 7:14PSA 24:3MAT 6:33MRK 14:37LUK 9:32EPH 6:18JAS 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and engaging in prayer. He encourages the congregation to take time to behold God and to speak often with Him. The preacher challenges the listeners to examine their prayer life and commit to a disciplined prayer ministry. He asserts that one's dedication to Christ can be measured by their discipline in prayer. The sermon concludes with a reference to Paul's request for the power of the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel and the recognition that the natural mind is at enmity against God.
The Man Under the Stage
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Prayer as a Way of Walking in Love- My Journey
By Francis Chan1.8K27:06PSA 34:17JER 33:3MAT 21:22LUK 11:9EPH 6:18PHP 4:6JAS 5:161JN 5:14This sermon by Francis Chan focuses on the power of prayer as a way of walking in love, sharing personal experiences of answered prayers and divine interventions. Chan emphasizes the deep connection with God through prayer, highlighting how God's responses to prayers have stirred his affections and revealed God's love in tangible ways. He reflects on the supernatural occurrences and prophetic dreams that have shaped his faith journey, showcasing the transformative impact of prayer in his life and ministry.
In Everything Give Thanks
By Paris Reidhead1.8K32:59ThanksgivingMAT 5:40MAT 6:33ROM 12:12EPH 6:181TH 5:18JAS 5:16The sermon transcript discusses the ethical teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of going above and beyond in our actions towards others. It challenges the cultural norm of seeking personal protection and vindication, instead urging believers to surrender their possessions, time, and selves to the Lord. The sermon references 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which instructs believers to give thanks in all circumstances, highlighting the difficulty of obeying this command in a society that values rectifying wrongs. The transcript concludes by reminding listeners that as followers of Christ, we have renounced the world and belong to God, and should not become resentful when our possessions or reputation are touched, as they are no longer our own.
Ephesians 6-18
By Manley Beasley1.7K59:44PrayerEPH 6:18In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging that his plan may change as he allows God to lead the service. He shares a humorous anecdote about being mistaken for being hard of hearing. The preacher encourages the congregation to come and meet with the Lord, promising to preach from the same book and about the same Jesus as their pastor. He invites them to witness God's mighty works and emphasizes the importance of prayer. The sermon concludes with a closing song and a reminder to see the king. The preacher then introduces the message from Ephesians 6:18, expressing his belief that God wants to do a greater work in the church and starting with an elementary but necessary topic.
A Shocking Message on Prayer
By Shane Idleman1.6K26:00The Power of PrayerHumility and RepentancePrayer2CH 7:14PSA 34:18MAT 21:22LUK 18:1ACT 3:19EPH 6:18PHP 4:61TH 5:17JAS 5:161JN 5:14Shane Idleman delivers a powerful sermon on the necessity of prayer, emphasizing that true revival and spiritual authority stem from a deep, broken, and humble relationship with God. He challenges the church to move beyond mere doctrine and to embrace the transformative power of prayer, which has historically led to significant moves of God. Idleman laments the current state of the church, where many are unprepared to surrender fully to God, and calls for a return to genuine prayer and repentance. He highlights biblical examples of prayer's effectiveness and urges believers to seek God's face rather than His hand. Ultimately, he stresses that a prayerless church is a powerless church, and that true change begins with humility and sincere prayer.
The Prayer Meeting
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What Is Your Life - Part 9
By Leonard Ravenhill1.6K09:44MAT 28:19ACT 1:8GAL 2:20EPH 6:18JAS 4:13This sermon reflects on the impactful life of Brother Andrew, known as God's smuggler, who risked his life to bring Bibles into restricted countries and saw lives transformed by the Gospel. It challenges listeners to consider their own dedication to spreading the message of Christ and living a life fully surrendered to God, emphasizing the need for a deep prayer life and a genuine relationship with Jesus. The sermon calls for a radical commitment to God's mission, highlighting the importance of being filled with the Spirit and actively sharing the love of Christ with others.
Maintain the Connection - Part 3
By Hans Peter Royer1.6K46:20GEN 1:1LUK 18:1JHN 1:1ROM 1:10EPH 6:181TH 5:172TH 1:11In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of living out our faith in everyday life. He emphasizes that simply singing or praying about loving God is meaningless if we don't actively demonstrate it in our actions. The speaker encourages the audience to train themselves in developing a relationship with God through prayer and communication. He also discusses the different languages we use in society, such as descriptive language and motivational language, and how they influence our behavior.
Leonard Ravenhill's America Is Too Young to Die
By David Ravenhill1.5K02:552CH 7:14PSA 33:12ISA 64:1EPH 6:18JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the urgent need for prayer and spiritual revival in America, drawing attention to the moral, economic, political, and spiritual decline of the nation. It stresses the importance of humbling ourselves, turning from wickedness, and seeking God's face in prayer as the key to healing the land. The message highlights the necessity for desperate, fervent prayer to bring about a transformation and calls believers to a deeper level of intercession for the nation's restoration.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Praying always - The apostle does not put praying among the armor; had he done so he would have referred it, as he has done all the rest, to some of the Grecian armor; but as he does not do this, therefore we conclude that his account of the armor is ended, and that now, having equipped his spiritual soldier, he shows him the necessity of praying, that he may successfully resist those principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and the spiritual wickednesses in heavenly places, with whom he has to contend. The panoply, or whole armor of God, consists in, 1. the girdle; 2. the breast-plate; 3. the greaves; 4. the shield; 5. the helmet; and 6. the sword. He who had these was completely armed. And as it was the custom of the Grecian armies, before they engaged, to offer prayers to the gods for their success, the apostle shows that these spiritual warriors must depend on the Captain of their salvation, and pray with all prayer, i.e. incessantly, being always in the spirit of prayer, so that they should be ever ready for public, private, mental, or ejaculatory prayer, always depending on Him who can alone save, and who alone can destroy. When the apostle exhorts Christians to pray with all prayer, we may at once see that he neither means spiritual nor formal prayer, in exclusion of the other. Praying, προσευχομενοι, refers to the state of the spirit as well as to the act. With all prayer - Refers to the different kinds of prayer that is performed in public, in the family, in the closet, in business, on the way, in the heart without a voice, and with the voice from the heart. All those are necessary to the genuine Christian; and he whose heart is right with God will be frequent in the whole. "Some there are," says a very pious and learned writer, who use only mental prayer or ejaculations, and think they are in a state of grace, and use a way of worship far superior to any other; but such only fancy themselves to be above what is really above them; it requiring far more grace to be enabled to pour out a fervent and continued prayer, than to offer up mental aspirations." Rev. J. Wesley. And supplication - There is a difference between προσευχη, prayer, and δεησις, supplication. Some think the former means prayer for the attainment of good; the latter, prayer for averting evil. Supplication however seems to mean prayer continued in, strong and incessant pleadings, till the evil is averted, or the good communicated. There are two things that must be attended to in prayer. 1. That it be εν παντι καιρῳ, in every time, season, or opportunity; 2. That it should be εν Πνευματι, in or through the Spirit - that the heart should be engaged in it, and that its infirmities should be helped by the Holy Ghost, Watching thereunto - Being always on your guard lest your enemies should surprise you. Watch, not only against evil, but also for opportunities to do good, and for opportunities to receive good. Without watchfulness, prayer and all the spiritual armor will be ineffectual. With all perseverance - Being always intent on your object, and never losing sight of your danger, or of your interest. The word implies stretching out the neck, and looking about, in order to discern an enemy at a distance. For all saints - For all Christians; for this was the character by which they were generally distinguished.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
always--Greek, "in every season"; implying opportunity and exigency (Col 4:2). Paul uses the very words of Jesus in Luk 21:36 (a Gospel which he quotes elsewhere, in undesigned consonance with the fact of Luke being his associate in travel, Co1 11:23, &c.; Ti1 5:18). Compare Luk 18:1; Rom 12:12; Th1 5:17. with all--that is, every kind of. prayer--a sacred term for prayer in general. supplication--a common term for a special kind of prayer [HARLESS], an imploring request. "Prayer" for obtaining blessings, "supplication" for averting evils which we fear [GROTIUS]. in the Spirit--to be joined with "praying." It is he in us, as the Spirit of adoption, who prays, and enables us to pray (Rom 8:15, Rom 8:26; Gal 4:6; Jde 1:20). watching--not sleeping (Eph 5:14; Psa 88:13; Mat 26:41). So in the temple a perpetual watch was maintained (compare Anna, Luk 2:37). thereunto--"watching unto" (with a view to) prayer and supplication. with--Greek, "in." Persevering constancy ("perseverance") and (that is, exhibited in) supplication are to be the element in which our watchfulness is to be exercised. for all saints--as none is so perfect as not to need the intercessions of his fellow Christians.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit,.... The last weapon is prayer, and takes in all sorts of prayer, mental and vocal, public and private; and every branch of it, as deprecation of evils, petitions for good things, and thanksgiving for mercies: and which should be used always: this stands opposed to such who pray not at all, or who have prayed, but have left it off; or who pray only in distress, and it suggests, that a man should pray as often as he has an opportunity; and particularly, that he should make use of it in times of darkness, desertion, and temptation: and this, when performed aright, is performed "in the Spirit"; with the heart, soul, and spirit engaged in it; it is put up with a true heart, and a right spirit, and without hypocrisy; in a spiritual way, and with fervency, and under the influence, and by the assistance of the Spirit of God. And watching thereunto; either to the word, as a direction for prayer, or to prayer itself; for opportunities to pray for the assistance of the Spirit in prayer, for an answer of it, and to return thanks for blessings when bestowed; and against all dependence on it, and against Satan's temptations, and our own corruptions with respect to it: with all perseverance; in it, notwithstanding what Satan and an unbelieving heart may suggest to the contrary: and supplication for all saints; of every nation, age, sex, and condition, in all places, and of every denomination. So Christ taught his disciples to pray, saying, our Father, suggesting, that they were not only to pray for themselves, but for all the children of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:18 Paul contrasts purely mental prayer with prayer in the Spirit, prayer that arises from the Spirit of God within (see 1 Cor 14:15; Jude 1:20; cp. Rom 8:26-27). • at all times and on every occasion: Believers are to make prayer a way of life and turn the whole of life into prayer (see Phil 4:6-7; 1 Thes 5:17)—not simply for themselves, but for all believers everywhere. • Stay alert and be persistent: Because the danger of the devil is constant.