The Armor of God - PRAYER | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:18

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Lastly is mentioned prayer and supplication.

Prayer - NT:4335 proseuche (pros-yoo-khay'); from NT:4336; prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel):

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (Matthew 21:22)

"And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting." (Mark 9:28-29)

"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42)

"But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." (Acts 6:4)

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;" (Romans 12:12)

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6)

"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;" (Colossians 4:2)

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;" (1 Timothy 2:1)

"But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you." (Philemon 1:22)

"Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months." (James 5:17)

"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." (1 Peter 4:7)

"And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints." (Revelations 5:8)

These verses reveal to us the power of prayer. We must pray believing. And when we pray believing, God works: devils are cast out, men are delivered from the enemy, rain is held. God answers the prayers of His saints - they are before Him.

Supplication - NT:1162 deesis (deh'-ay-sis); from NT:1189; a petition:

"And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day." (Luke 2:37)

"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved." (Romans 10:1)

"Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf." (2 Corinthians 1:11)

"And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you." (2 Corinthians 9:14)

"Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy," (Philippians 1:4)

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6)

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;" (1 Timothy 2:1)

"Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day." (1 Timothy 5:5)

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)

"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." (1 Peter 3:12)

Supplication is prayer especially for someone else. Supplication, also, is heard by God and answered. Supplication is powerful: delivering others from the hand of the enemy, enabling others in God's ministry, and availing much. I personally believe that this is the type of prayer we could use the most but neglect the most. Not only are we commanded to make prayers and supplications, but Ephesians goes on to say, "and watching thereunto with all perseverance (persistency) and supplication (petition) for all saints;" In case we didn't quite understand what mere "supplication" meant, we are assured that it is to be done faithfully for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Does my prayer life reflect my love for the brethren? Am I faithfully praying for others and their work in the Lord?