Praying Always

So, you have God’s armor-- remember it is His, not yours! Yet daily the invitation is “to put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.”

I wonder what schemes the devil has against you today. I wonder what areas in your life need the reminder to stand firm. So often, I think the battle is in our minds; our thoughts tend to race in circles.

Even this morning, as I did my daily morning prayer with God, I realized several times that my mind had wandered to the day’s “To Do” list, even as I was praying about being present!

What are we going to do?

Well, we start with putting on that belt of truth-- found in Jesus; the breastplate of righteousness-- the commitment to do right by God and others; the gospel of peace on our feet--that wherever we walk, we will bring peace; the shield of faith—" I believe and I trust”; the helmet of salvation --the covering of our mind; and the sword of the spirit-- the renewal of our mind by reading Scripture.

OK, we are well dressed! Now what?

“And” says Paul.

Oh, we're not done?

“Pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayer and requests.” (Ephesians 6:18)

Eugene Peterson translates this, “In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long.

Many other translations say, “Praying always” or “at all times”

How then are we to “pray always” or “at all times”?

How do we stay present to our ever-present God during the happenings of our busy days?

I remember years ago, when I was working for a church, my morning would be spent being busy. I would go home for lunch to take care of my dog. Often as I drove home, I would realize, “God, I haven't talked to you all morning.” I was working for him (I thought) but maybe not with Him. My favorite verse at this time became Matthew 11:29.

“Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”

And my prayer continues to be, “Help me be present to You.”

How then are we to do this?

Who or what will keep us grounded in the reminder of His presence with us and this invitation to be praying always? I feel like Paul when he said, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24)

The answer to his cry is the same as the answer to our cry.

“Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

And the invitation is to live according to the law of the Spirit of life. (Romans 8)

What does this have to do with praying always? Well, it is obvious that we cannot or are not good at doing this by ourselves—trying harder—have you tried that? Having a time set on your watch to remind you—have you tried that? A band on your wrist to flick for a reminder? Yes, there are things that can help, but underneath it all, it is the Spirit’s presence that enables us to be faithful to God’s presence with us and our ability to respond to Him throughout our day.

What is the Spirit’s part?

Following Paul’s description of the life in the Spirit, he writes, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. (Romans 8:26,27)

It is the indwelling Spirit who will remind us to pray—someone’s name comes into your mind; you see something and hear the trigger; such a faithful God.

What is our part?

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6,7)

No anxiety, because God is present with us in His love, forgiveness, and grace.

In every situation—sounds like “always” or “at all times!”

And remember always to give thanks.

I wonder what that always looks like to you. Here are some of the ways I practice this. In the car, driving somewhere offers a lot of down time, if you are alone. When I am stopped at a red light, I pray a blessing on the people in the car beside me and in front of me. As I pass someone, I often ask God to bless them and meet their needs today. In the line at the grocery store is also a great time to look around and see whom you can bless. What about when you walk your dog, as you pass each house, pray a blessing on each neighbor. Back in the days when I used to iron clothes (what is that?), I used to pray for each person as I ironed—you can do the same as you fold the clothes out of the dryer! And those annoying pings as someone else enters your space on your phone-what an opportunity for a quick prayer.

Above all, I encourage you to develop a habit of gratitude. All around us at every moment are the gifts God has poured into our lives. It may be as familiar as the sofa you chose years ago with great joy and now sink into in relief each evening. It may be your spouse or kids or animals. It may be the natural world around you—how beautiful it is in Portland now with all the spring flowers bursting out and the different shades of green as the trees leaf out. It may be the sound of bird song. It may be the smell of fresh baked bread or cookies. It may be the smile of the person serving your meal or checking out your groceries. Ask God for eyes to see and a heart to express gratitude, both to Him and to the others in your life.

Rejoice Always

You are clothed in the amazing armor God has provided for you. You have everything you need to stand against the schemes of the enemy, remembering that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6: 11-13)

The greatest weapon we have is gratitude. Go bravely into a world of thanksgiving and watch the colors light up your life!