Word of Encouragement (5/18/2021)
We are continuing our reflection on Paul’s exhortation on and request for prayer in Eph. 6:18-20: “...praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Yesterday, we talked about “praying at all times in the Spirit.” Paul goes on to say, “with all prayer and supplication.” About this phrase, Matthew Henry says, “We must pray with all prayer and supplication, with all kinds of prayer: public, private, and secret, social and solitary, solemn and sudden; with all the parts of prayer: confession of sin, petition for mercy, and thanksgivings for favours received.”
This is all part of “praying at all times in the Spirit.” Our spiritual battle comes in all kinds of shapes and forms. It can come when we are all alone as well as when we are in the company of others. It can come when we are surfing the Internet as well as when we are driving in heavy traffic. It can come when we experience a major setback as well as when we achieve our goal. It can come when someone is criticizing us as well as when someone is praising us. So, we need to pray at all times, on all occasions. Maybe we should not just pray before our meals but also before we begin our day, before we start driving, before we step into our office or classroom, before we begin a meeting, before we read the Bible, before we start our worship, etc. We should not forget to pray after God brings us safely through a significant event or trial, giving Him thanks. There are also events and incidents in our lives, during which we are compelled to pray, because they are so stressful.
I believe Nehemiah is a good example of “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” He faced the huge task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem with the discouraged and fearful people of Israel, not to mention those in the surrounding areas, who actively opposed their efforts. The Book of Nehemiah opens up with him fasting and praying, confessing his sins and the sins of his people before God, after hearing how Jerusalem still lay in ruins (Neh. 1). Then, when King Artaxerxes asked him why his face was said and what he requested of him, he quickly prayed to God before he gave his answer (2:4). When Sanballat mocked and insulted the Israelites’ effort to rebuild the temple, Nehemiah prayed for God’s judgment on them (4:4-5). And when he heard that the neighboring peoples were coming to attack them, he led the people in prayer for His protection and set up the defense (4:9). He also prayed that God would remember all the good he was doing for the people of Israel as their governor (5:19). When the enemies conspired with the prophets of Israel to assassinate him, he prayed to God to strengthen his hands (6:9) and to remember the evil deeds of the enemies and the prophets (6:14). And he participated in the national prayer of confession before God (ch. 9). And after confronting the corruptions of the priests, he prayed to God to remember what he had done for the house of God and for His service (13:14, 31).
As you can see, Nehemiah was a man of action as well as prayer. The two can, and should, go hand in hand. Prayer should not be an excuse to procrastinate what we ought to do. There are times, of course, when all we can do is pray—when our loved ones are going through major surgery, for example. But there are (many more) times when we should pray for God’s help as we carry out His will and commands, being careful not to rely on ourselves.
We also see that Nehemiah prayed with “all prayer and supplication.” Not only did he pray for God’s help, especially at critical times; he also confessed his sins, individually and corporately with the rest of the Israelites. And quite often, he prayed that God would remember what he did for His glory and the good of His people. I find this very encouraging—not because I feel like I have the permission to ask for God’s blessings for what I do for Him but because it is a good reminder that I walk in His sight and He, who sees in secret, knows all that I do for Him.
Brothers and sisters, let us remember that it is a wonderful blessing and privilege that we can pray at all times with all prayer and supplication. We now do this in the name of Jesus Christ, whose atoning sacrifice and righteousness enable us to approach God as our loving heavenly Father, whose merciful ears are ever open to the cries of our hearts, whether it be our confession of sin, our cry for help, our thanksgiving and praise, etc. Let us not waste this precious gift of prayer in spiritual idleness and complacency. Let us be diligent in our prayers to enjoy His intimate presence and rich blessings!