The Place to Be #28

Ephesians 5:18 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, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Having warned his hearers (and us) about the unseen spiritual battle we are in, and reminding us of all the pieces of the armor God has provided for us in Christ to fight that battle, Paul now reminds us of the most powerful weapon and defense we have: prayer.  We must stay in constant contact with the Command Center.  Rather than radio waves we have the Holy Spirit.  We must also make sure our prayers are not self-centered but for the good of the whole Body.  We stand together or fall one by one.  We cannot underestimate the importance of the Body of Christ in God's plan for us as individual believers. If it is all about me being safe, comfortable, and hidden from danger, that means that we are allowing other believers to take the attacks alone.  In Acts 4 we find the church praying together for what Paul asks prayer for here: boldness.  He repeats it twice.  It's what he wants prayer for, and by implication, what we all need to ask for - that as a body we would be bold, together.  Along with the Holy Spirit's presence and power, that will make us strong together in living out God's plan and purpose for us.