Summary: Praying at all times...is that really possible???

24 x 7 x 365

Ephesians 6:18-24

Ephesians 6:18 (NLT)

Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.

The Frequency of Prayer

 At all times

 Not just at church

 Not just at the dinner table

 Not just before bedtime

 Every occasion

 As you encounter circumstances

 As you encounter people

Praying in Power

 Provided by the Holy Spirit

 Prompting

 In accordance with God’s will

 The power of prayer

 Not based on eloquence or skill

 Based on the power and faithfulness of God

Who Are You Praying For?

 Paying attention

 Notice what is going on around you

 Take an interest in others lives

 Praying for each other

 One of the greatest sources of encouragement

 Adds “spiritual” depth to relationships

 Carrying burdens

 Sharing joys

 Prayer partnerships

Ephesians 6:19 (NLT)

And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words as I boldly explain God’s secret plan that the Good News is for the Gentiles, too.

Empowering the Preacher

 Word power

 A useful vessel

 Choosing the right words

 Connect with the people

 Clear and understandable

 Boldness

 To say what needs to be said

 Overcome fear and anxiety

 The message is for everyone

Ephesians 6:20 (NLT)

I am in chains now for preaching this message as God’s ambassador. But pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

Under All Circumstances

 Paul’s circumstance

 In chains for preaching

 Deprived of freedom

 Paul’s prayer request

 Not for bail, pardon or acquittal

 For continued boldness

 Speaking for Jesus

 No matter what the personal cost might be

Ephesians 6:21-22 (NLT)

Tychicus, a much loved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work, will tell you all about how I am getting along. [22] I am sending him to you for just this purpose. He will let you know how we are, and he will encourage you.

Reporting the Outcomes

 Paul sent Tychius

 To give updates

 To tell of the work

 To encourage

 Talk about what God is doing

 To see where God is moving

 To encourage others

 To strengthen the faith

 Yourself

 Others

Ephesians 6:23-24 (NLT)

May God give you peace, dear brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [24] May God’s grace be upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Experiencing God’s Grace

 Not a religious practice

 Many settle for simply dating Jesus

 An intimate relationship

 Jesus loved you enough to die for you

 His desire is that you would fall in love with him

24 x 7 x 365

When you fall in love with Jesus, you’ll never run out of things to talk about.

**Powerpoint available on request