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.
Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.
Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Ephesians 6:18-20
There is an important truth in the Holy Spirit’s words to the church in Ephesus. One that you probably need to hear today.
Toward the end of his letter, he tells us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
Look at the words again about when and how we are to pray:
All occasions.
All kinds.
All prayers.
All requests.
I think sometimes we read verses on prayer and feel guilty—as if prayer is one more thing we aren’t doing well enough. And I suppose there might be some truth to that.
But today I think we need to be reminded of something simpler and more inviting:
You can pray about anything you want, anytime you want, with whatever words you have.
You don’t need a script.
You don’t need a formula.
You don’t need to be in the right room or the right mood.
And you need not worry whether your request is important enough for God.
He invites us today to pray on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
Just talk to your Father. He is waiting and doesn’t care what words you use.
I don’t know what you might be going through today. What temptation you are facing. What worry you are carrying. What trial you are fighting through. Or what attack is striking your family.
But whatever it is, you can bring it to Him.
You can pray. And God loves it when you do.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the invitation to approach Your throne through faith on any occasion with any request and any prayer. Today, I come to You because I need Your help with ___________________________. Amen.