Praying you through

“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 saints.” Ephesians 6:18

Ephesians 6 is a chapter in Scripture that has become crucial to my faith, in particular the passage on the armor of God. For years, I missed verse 18 and failed to see how it was linked to the armor. I had always stopped at verse 17 thinking that was where the description of the armor of God ended. It was a light bulb moment for me when I realized that verse 18 actually completes the list of armor, and perhaps with one of the most vital pieces…prayer. The pieces of armor are mostly defensive in nature, but then you have the sword of the Spirit followed by prayer – two offensive pieces of armor to be used in this spiritual battle that we are engaged in on a momentary basis. And when the sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) and prayer are coupled together, you have powerful prayer.

Today I am reminded of my conviction to be praying for you. Yes, you. From the day I started Neue Thing, I made a commitment to pray for my readers. For a year now, I have prayed over every blog post. I’ve prayed over the individuals who have left comments. I’ve prayed over each one that would read my devotions. I’ve prayed that God would use my words to soften hearts to His truth. I’ve prayed that God would bring healing to brokenness. I’ve prayed that faith would blossom in your life. And I won’t stop praying because Scripture compels me to keep praying for you. I know that many of you are experiencing need beyond what my own words can meet, but I also know a God who is more than able to meet your every need and satisfy your aching heart. To Him I offer this prayer on your behalf today. I stand in the gap for you, crying out to our God who heals and restores.

Faithful Father,

Thank you for your Word that breathes life into our souls. Without it, we are lost. God, I lift up my sisters to you today who are in desperate need of your strength. For some, it’s a daily battle to press on through another day. I ask that you Lord, would meet her in her brokenness and reveal yourself to her. Shine your brilliant light into her darkness and overwhelm her with your steadfast love. Today, as she faces the difficulty of a new day, remind her that she is not alone. You have promised to never leave her or forsake her, and you are faithful to keep your promises. Meet her this morning with your mercies that are new, and refresh her soul with whispers of your love. Give her hope in knowing that you will complete the good work that you have begun in her. When fear seeks to cripple her faith, remind her of how faithful you have been in her past so that she can be confident in knowing that you will remain faithful in her present and her future. In the unknown and in all things that she cannot control, help her to rest in the truth that you are in control of all things and you are good. When others hurt and disappoint her, comfort her in ways that only your Spirit can. Give her wisdom today in her decision making so that she might honor you with her life. May she be found today on her knees in passionate pursuit of you, because in that place there is peace.

In Jesus’ name
Amen