Ephesians 6:18 Study Bible: with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints:

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◄ Ephesians 6:18 ►

Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.

Study Bible

Pray in the Spirit
The phrase "Pray in the Spirit" emphasizes the necessity of prayer being guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for "Spirit" here is "Pneuma," which signifies breath or wind, symbolizing the life-giving and dynamic presence of God. In a conservative Christian perspective, this means that prayer should not be a mere ritual or obligation but a vibrant, Spirit-led communication with God. It is through the Spirit that believers align their hearts with God's will, ensuring that their prayers are not self-centered but God-centered.

at all times
The phrase "at all times" underscores the importance of continual prayer. The Greek word "kairos" can be understood as "opportune time" or "season," suggesting that prayer should be a constant and integral part of a believer's life, not limited to specific moments or crises. Historically, early Christians were known for their devotion to prayer, often gathering multiple times a day. This reflects the belief that prayer is a vital lifeline to God, sustaining believers through every circumstance.

with every kind of prayer and petition
"With every kind of prayer and petition" highlights the diversity and richness of prayer. The Greek words "proseuche" (prayer) and "deesis" (petition) indicate both general prayers of worship and specific requests. This suggests that believers are encouraged to approach God with a wide range of prayers, from adoration and thanksgiving to supplication and intercession. The historical context of the early church, facing persecution and trials, would have necessitated a robust and varied prayer life, seeking God's guidance and intervention in all aspects of life.

To this end, stay alert
"To this end, stay alert" calls for vigilance and awareness in prayer. The Greek word "agrupneo" means to be watchful or awake, implying that prayer requires intentionality and focus. In a conservative Christian view, this is a reminder that spiritual warfare is real, and believers must be on guard against distractions and spiritual lethargy. The historical context of Ephesians, written during a time of spiritual and cultural challenges, underscores the need for believers to be spiritually awake and discerning.

with all perseverance
The phrase "with all perseverance" emphasizes the need for steadfastness in prayer. The Greek word "proskarteresis" conveys a sense of persistent and unwavering dedication. This reflects the biblical principle that prayer is not always answered immediately, and believers must continue in faith, trusting in God's timing and sovereignty. The perseverance in prayer is a testament to a believer's faith and reliance on God, even when circumstances seem unchanged.

in your prayers for all the saints
Finally, "in your prayers for all the saints" broadens the scope of prayer to include intercession for fellow believers. The term "saints" refers to all Christians, emphasizing the communal aspect of faith. In the early church, believers were deeply interconnected, supporting one another through prayer and fellowship. This phrase encourages Christians to look beyond their own needs and to lift up the global body of Christ, fostering unity and mutual support within the church.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Ephesians, writing to encourage and instruct the early Christian church in Ephesus.

2. Ephesus
A major city in Asia Minor, known for its diverse culture and the Temple of Artemis. It was a significant center for early Christianity.

3. The Saints
Refers to the believers in Ephesus and, by extension, all Christians who are called to live holy lives.

4. The Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, who empowers believers to pray and live according to God's will.

5. The Church
The body of believers who are called to support one another through prayer and spiritual vigilance.

Teaching Points

Praying in the Spirit
Emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering our prayers. The Greek word (pneumati) indicates praying under the influence and guidance of the Spirit.

All Kinds of Prayer
Encourage the use of various forms of prayer, including adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication, as indicated by the Greek word (proseuch?) for prayer and (de?sei) for petition.

Perseverance in Prayer
Highlight the importance of persistence and vigilance in prayer, as the Greek word (agrupnountes) suggests staying alert and watchful.

Intercession for the Saints
Stress the communal aspect of prayer, urging believers to intercede for one another, fostering unity and support within the body of Christ.

Spiritual Warfare Context
Connect the verse to the broader context of Ephesians 6, which discusses the armor of God, underscoring prayer as a vital component of spiritual warfare.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does praying in the Spirit differ from other forms of prayer, and how can we cultivate this practice in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we incorporate "every kind of prayer and petition" into our personal and communal prayer life?

3. What are some practical steps we can take to "stay alert with all perseverance" in our prayer life, especially in times of spiritual warfare?

4. How can we effectively intercede for "all the saints," and what impact does this have on our local church community?

5. Reflect on a time when persistent prayer led to a breakthrough in your life or the life of someone you know. How does this encourage you to continue in prayer?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Philippians 4:6-7
Encourages believers to present their requests to God through prayer and petition, promising peace that guards hearts and minds.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Exhorts believers to pray without ceasing, emphasizing the importance of continual communication with God.

Romans 8:26-27
Describes how the Spirit helps in our weakness and intercedes for us, aligning with the call to pray in the Spirit.

Colossians 4:2
Urges believers to devote themselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, similar to the call for perseverance in Ephesians 6:18.

James 5:16
Highlights the power of prayer, especially when offered by a righteous person, reinforcing the communal aspect of praying for all the saints.

Sermons

The Duty of Prayer	T. Croskery	Ephesians 6:18
Panoply of God. Conclusion of Epistle	R. Finlayson	Ephesians 6:10-20
Soul-Militancy	D. Thomas	Ephesians 6:10-20
The Christian Panoply	R.M. Edgar	Ephesians 6:10-24
A Share in Others' Moral Victories Through Prayer	R. W. Dale, LL. D.	Ephesians 6:18-20
Christian Watchfulness	Bishop Ryle.	Ephesians 6:18-20
Intercession	J. H. Newman, D. D.	Ephesians 6:18-20
Pastor and People	W. S. Palmer.	Ephesians 6:18-20
Prayer	J. Lathrop, D. D.	Ephesians 6:18-20
Prayer Acts Upon God	R. W. Dale, LL. D.	Ephesians 6:18-20
Prayer and Panoply	Marvin R. Vincent, D. D.	Ephesians 6:18-20
Prayer for Others	R. W. Dale, LL. D.	Ephesians 6:18-20
Praying Always	H. Melvill, B. D.	Ephesians 6:18-20
Praying Always	D. Moore, M. A.	Ephesians 6:18-20
Subjects of Intercession	Family Churchman	Ephesians 6:18-20
The Necessity of Prayer	J. Leyburn, D. D.	Ephesians 6:18-20
The Power of Prayer	R. W. Dale, LL. D.	Ephesians 6:18-20
The Triumphs of the Praying Life	H. J. Wilmot-Buxton, M. A.	Ephesians 6:18-20
True Prayer	W.F. Adeney	Ephesians 6:18-20
Watching unto Prayer	John Bate.	Ephesians 6:18-20

People

Ephesians, Paul, Tychicus

Places

Ephesus

Topics

Alert, Always, Behalf, Deep, Desires, Entreaty, Fitting, God's, Keeping, Kinds, Making, Mind, Occasion, Occasions, Opportunities, Perseverance, Persistence, Petition, Prayer, Prayers, Praying, Purpose, Regard, Requests, Saints, Seasons, Seize, Spirit, Strong, Supplication, Thereunto, Unceasing, Unwearied, View, Watch, Watchful, Watching

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Ephesians 6:18

     3281   Holy Spirit, inspiration
     4018   life, spiritual
     4126   Satan, resistance to
     5534   sleep, spiritual
     7972   tongues, gift of
     8252   faithfulness, relationships
     8409   decision-making, and providence
     8459   perseverance
     8490   watchfulness
     8493   watchfulness, believers
     8611   prayer, for others
     8613   prayer, persistence
     8653   importunity, to God

Ephesians 6:10-18

     5290   defeat
     5944   self-defence
     6030   sin, avoidance
     8485   spiritual warfare, conflict

Ephesians 6:10-20

8797 persecution, attitudes

Ephesians 6:11-18

8329 readiness
8422 equipping, spiritual

Ephesians 6:12-18

5214 attack

Ephesians 6:14-18

8486 spiritual warfare, armour

Ephesians 6:16-18

8349 spiritual growth, means of

Ephesians 6:18-20

     3221   Holy Spirit, and prayer
     7028   church, life of
     8610   prayer, asking God
     8619   prayer, in church

Library

February 6. "Praying Always for all Saints" (Eph. vi. 18).
"Praying always for all saints" (Eph. vi. 18). One good counsel will suffice just now. Stop praying so much for yourself; begin to ask unselfish things, and see if God won't give you faith. See how much easier it will be to believe for another than for your own petty self. Try the effect of praying for the world, for definite things, for difficult things, for glorious things, for things that will honor Christ and save mankind, and after you have received a few wonderful answers to prayer in this …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Armour of God
(Preached before the Prince of Wales, at Sandringham, January 20th, 1867.) EPHESIANS vi. 11. Put on the whole armour of God. St. Paul again and again compares himself and the Christians to whom he writes to soldiers, and their lives to warfare. And it was natural that he should do so. Everywhere he went, in those days, he would find Roman soldiers, ruling over men of different races from themselves, and ruling them, on the whole, well. Greeks, Syrians, Jews, Egyptians,--all alike in his days obeyed …
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

Twenty First Sunday after Trinity the Christian Armor and Weapons.
Text: Ephesians 6, 10-17. 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the worldrulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

The Panoply of God
'Take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.'--Eph. vi. 13. The military metaphor of which this verse is the beginning was obviously deeply imprinted on Paul's mind. It is found in a comparatively incomplete form in his earliest epistle, the first to the Thessalonians, in which the children of the day are exhorted to put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. It reappears, in a slightly …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

'The Girdle of Truth'
'Stand, therefore, having girded your loins with truth.'--Eph. vi. 14 (R.V.). The general exhortation here points to the habitual attitude of the Christian soldier. However many conflicts he may have waged, he is still to be ever ready for fresh assaults, for in regard to them he may be quite sure that to-morrow will bring its own share of them, and that the evil day is never left behind so long as days still last. That general exhortation is followed by clauses which are sometimes said to be cotemporaneous …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

'The Breastplate of Righteousness'
'Having put on the breastplate of righteousness.'--Eph. vi. 14. There can be no doubt that in this whole context the Apostle has in mind the great passage in Isaiah lix. where the prophet, in a figure of extreme boldness, describes the Lord as arming Himself to deliver the oppressed faithful, and coming as a Redeemer to Zion. In that passage the Lord puts on righteousness as a breastplate--that is to say, God, in His manifestation of Himself for the deliverance of His people, comes forth as if arrayed …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

A Soldier's Shoes
'Your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.'--Eph. vi. 15. Paul drew the first draft of this picture of the Christian armour in his first letter. It is a finished picture here. One can fancy that the Roman soldier to whom he was chained in his captivity, whilst this letter was being written, unconsciously sat for his likeness, and that each piece of his accoutrements was seized in succession by the Apostle's imagination and turned to a Christian use. It is worth noticing that there …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Shield of Faith
'Above all, taking the shield of faith, whereby ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.'--Eph. vi. 16. There were two kinds of shields in use in ancient warfare--one smaller, carried upon the arm, and which could be used, by a movement of the arm, for the defence of threatened parts of the body in detail; the other large, planted in front of the soldier, fixed in the ground, and all but covering his whole person. It is the latter which is referred to in the text, as the word …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

'The Helmet of Salvation'
'Take the helmet of salvation.'--Eph. vi. 17. We may, perhaps, trace a certain progress in the enumeration of the various pieces of the Christian armour in this context. Roughly speaking, they are in three divisions. There are first our graces of truth, righteousness, preparedness, which, though they are all conceived as given by God, are yet the exercises of our own powers. There is next, standing alone, as befits its all-comprehensive character, faith which is able to ward against and overcome …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

'The Sword of the Spirit'
'The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.'--Eph. vi. 17. We reach here the last and only offensive weapon in the panoply. The 'of' here does not indicate apposition, as in the 'shield of faith,' or 'the helmet of salvation,' nor is it the 'of' of possession, so that the meaning is to be taken as being the sword which the Spirit wields, but it is the 'of' expressing origin, as in the 'armour of God'; it is the sword which the Spirit supplies. The progress noted in the last sermon from subjective …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Peace, Love, and Faith
'Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith.'--Eph. vi. 23. The numerous personal greetings usually found at the close of Paul's letters are entirely absent from this Epistle. All which we have in their place is this entirely general good wish, and the still more general and wider one in the subsequent verse. There is but one other of the Apostle's letters similarly devoid of personal messages, viz. the Epistle to the Galatians, and their absence there is sufficiently accounted for by the severe …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Wide Range of God's Grace
'Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.'--Eph. vi. 24. In turning to the great words which I have read as a text, I ask you to mark their width and their simplicity. They are wide; they follow a very comprehensive benediction, with which, so to speak, they are concentric. But they sweep a wider circle. The former verse says, 'Peace be to the brethren.' But beyond the brethren in these Asiatic churches (as a kind of circular letter to whom this epistle was probably sent) …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Sword of the Spirit
Difficulties meet us even in standing our ground; for the apostle, two or three times, bids us--"Stand." In the rush of the fight, men are apt to be carried off their legs. If they can keep their footing, they will be victorious; but if they are borne down by the rush of their adversaries, everything is lost. You are to put on the heavenly armor in order that you may stand; and you will need it to maintain the position in which your Captain has placed you. If even to stand requires all this care, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Strong Christians.
(Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity.) EPHESIANS vi. 10. "My brethren, be strong in the Lord," A weak and cowardly soldier is a pitiful object, but a weak-kneed, cowardly Christian is still more so. S. Paul told the Ephesian Christians to be strong in the Lord, and in these days especially we need strong Christians, strong Churchmen. I do not mean that we want men to presume on their strength, to repeat the sin of the Pharisee of old, and talk of their righteousness, or condemn their neighbours. …
H. J. Wilmot-Buxton—The Life of Duty, a Year's Plain Sermons, v. 2

Third Day for all Saints
WHAT TO PRAY.--For all Saints "With all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all saints."--EPH. vi. 18. Every member of a body is interested in the welfare of the whole, and exists to help and complete the others. Believers are one body, and ought to pray, not so much for the welfare of their own church or society, but, first of all, for all saints. This large, unselfish love is the proof that Christ's Spirit and Love is …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

"But if Ye have Bitter Envying," &C.
James iii. 14.--"But if ye have bitter envying," &c. The cunning of Satan, and the deceitfulness of our own hearts, are such that when a grosser temptation will not prevail with conscience in some measure enlightened, then they transform themselves into angels of light, and deal more subtilely with us. And there is no greater subtilty of Satan, nor no stronger self deceit, than this, to palliate and cover vices with the shadow of virtue, and to present corruptions under the similitude of graces. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Christian Home
Scripture references: Ephesians 6:1-9; 5:25-33; Colossians 3:17-25; 1 Corinthians 7:12-17; Mark 10:2-12; 7:9-13; 5:19; 1 Timothy 5:4; Luke 15:6; Titus 2:1-15; Exodus 20:12,17; Deuteronomy 6:1-9. THE HOME What is a Home?--It has been answered that, "It is the unit of society." It has also been pointed out that this unit must be kept clean, pure and right, in all its relations, or society and the state will suffer grave consequences. Certainly, in the past, the institutions of society and state have …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

Praying, Returning Thanks, Worshipping in the Holy Spirit.
Two of the most deeply significant passages in the Bible on the subject of the Holy Spirit and on the subject of prayer are found in Jude 20 and Eph. vi. 18. In Jude 20 we read, "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost," and in Eph. vi. 18, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." These passages teach us distinctly that the Holy Spirit guides …
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

The Essence of Prayer.
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."--Ephes. vi. 18. In the last place we consider the work of the Holy Spirit in prayer. It appears from Scripture, more than has been emphasized, that in the holy act of prayer there is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit working both in us and with us. And yet this appears clearly from the apostolic word: "Likewise the Spirit helpeth also our infirmities: for …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Best Inheritance in Canaan
THE BEST INHERITANCE IN CANAAN I am troubled about my sanctification. My conversion was so bright and there was such a change that I never could doubt it. But when I was sanctified, there was not so great a change. And it was not so great as that of some I have heard testify. Neither do I feel as bold as some I have heard speak, neither did I taste such a death as others have testified too. In fact, when I compare my sanctification with what others say theirs is, mine suffers in the comparison. I …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

Ascetic.
(i) Of the works comprised under this head, the first are the three compositions entitled Tractatus Prævii. The first, Prævia Institutio ascetica ('Asketike prodiatuposis ), is an exhortation to enlistment in the sacred warfare; the second, on renunciation of the world and spiritual perfection, is the Sermo asceticus (logos asketikos). The third, Sermo de ascetica disciplina (logos peri askeseos, pos dei kosmheisthai ton monachon), treats of the virtues to be exhibited in the life …
Basil—Basil: Letters and Select Works

Concerning Maximus the Cynic and the Disorder which Has Happened in Constantinople on his Account...
Concerning Maximus the Cynic and the disorder which has happened in Constantinople on his account, it is decreed that Maximus never was and is not now a Bishop; that those who have been ordained by him are in no order whatever of the clergy; since all which has been done concerning him or by him, is declared to be invalid. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon IV. Let Maximus the Cynic be cast out from among the bishops, and anyone who was inscribed by him on the clergy list shall be held as profane. Edmund …
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

Correspondences
"It is very pleasant when you are in England, and you see souls being saved, and you see the conviction of sin, and you see the power of the Gospel to bring new life and new joy and purity to hearts. But it is still more glorious amongst the heathen to see the same things, to see the Lord there working His own work of salvation, and to see the souls convicted and the hearts broken, and to see there the new life and the new joy coming out in the faces of those who have found the Lord Jesus." Rev. …
Amy Wilson-Carmichael—Things as They Are

The Christian Training of Children.
(Second Sermon.) TEXT: EPH. vi. 4. IN making special mention of our children in our prayers, as we have done to-day, what we have chiefly in our thoughts is not merely to commend their earthly life and welfare, with all that affects it, to God's gracious care; we are much more concerned to obtain a blessing on the unfolding of their spiritual faculties, that it may be carried on in a right way, well-pleasing to God. This prayer is prompted in the first place by the humble conviction that if our manifold …
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

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