Ephesians 6:18-20: Praying in the Spirit

Introduction

Ephesians 6:18-20 serves as the concluding exhortation in Paul’s powerful discourse on spiritual warfare. After calling believers to put on the full armor of God, Paul stresses the necessity of prayer:

“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 Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” (Ephesians 6:18-20, NRSV)

Here, Paul not only urges believers to pray but to pray in the Spirit—an invitation to engage deeply with God’s presence, power, and purpose. Prayer is not merely a formal exercise but an active, dynamic tool that sustains the spiritual life. The imagery here suggests prayer as an essential part of the Christian armor, as vital as the sword or shield. But what does it mean to pray in the Spirit? How does this look practically for us today?

Praying in the Spirit: A Deeper Connection with God

To pray in the Spirit is to pray with the awareness that God’s Spirit is at work within us, guiding, empowering, and interceding on our behalf. In Romans 8:26, Paul 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.” When we pray in the Spirit, we align ourselves with God’s will, trusting that the Spirit will shape our prayers, sometimes beyond our understanding, and that through prayer, we tap into God’s strength.

Richard Foster, in his book Celebration of Discipline, writes that prayer is a way of “opening our lives to God.” It is not about presenting a list of requests or merely speaking words into the air but entering into a relationship, a conversation that is both intimate and transformative. For Foster, prayer is a discipline that requires both commitment and surrender, drawing us closer to the heart of God.

Dallas Willard, in The Divine Conspiracy, underscores the idea that prayer is about aligning our lives with the kingdom of God. Willard says, “Prayer is the primary way of inviting God’s kingdom into our lives and situations.” For Willard, prayer is a partnership with God, where our petitions and requests are shaped by His will and empowered by His Spirit.

In Ephesians 6:18, Paul challenges us to pray “on all occasions.” This suggests that prayer is not limited to certain times or moments but should be woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Whether we are facing challenges or moments of peace, prayer is the key that keeps us connected to the source of our strength and guidance.

Praying with All Kinds of Prayers

Paul’s command to pray “with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18) invites us to a broad and expansive understanding of prayer. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to prayer. Just as the armor of God provides different kinds of protection, prayer too can take many forms, each suitable for the circumstances at hand.

Here are a few different types of prayer that can help deepen our spiritual lives:

1. Petitionary Prayer

This is the most common form of prayer, where we bring our requests before God. Whether it’s asking for guidance, healing, or provision, petitionary prayer is an essential way to express our dependence on God.

2. Intercessory Prayer

Paul encourages the Ephesians to pray for all the Lord’s people, including for him in his mission to proclaim the gospel. Intercession is the act of praying on behalf of others, lifting them up before God. This aligns with the heart of God, who calls us to love our neighbors and seek their well-being in prayer. In our intercession, we partner with God in His work of redemption and restoration.

3. Thanksgiving and Praise

Prayers of thanksgiving focus on acknowledging God’s goodness, mercy, and faithfulness. Psalms like Psalm 100:4 call us to “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” Recognizing God’s blessings, both big and small, strengthens our faith and encourages gratitude.

4. Silent Prayer

There are times when words fail, when our hearts are too burdened, or when we simply need to be still in God’s presence. Silent prayer invites us to listen and allow the Spirit to speak to us in the stillness. As Foster notes, “In the silence of prayer, we find God’s presence not in the noise of words but in the quiet communion of the heart.”

5. Confessional Prayer

Confession is an essential aspect of the Christian life. In prayer, we acknowledge our sins and shortcomings before God, asking for His forgiveness and cleansing. This restores our fellowship with God and opens us to His grace. Psalm 51 is a powerful model of a prayer of confession.

6. Meditative Prayer

Meditation in prayer involves reflecting deeply on God’s Word and allowing it to shape our hearts and minds. It is about pondering the truths of Scripture and inviting the Holy Spirit to illuminate and apply those truths to our lives. Dallas Willard stresses that prayer is a continual invitation to “learn from Jesus” and to allow His teachings to transform us from the inside out.

7. Prayers of Lament

There are moments in our journey when grief and sorrow take over. Lament is a form of prayer that brings our pain, doubts, and struggles to God. The Psalms of lament—like Psalm 13—show us that it is okay to express our pain before God. Lament opens the door for healing and reminds us that God meets us in our darkest moments.

Be Alert and Always Keep on Praying

Paul also calls believers to “be alert” as they pray, suggesting that prayer requires awareness and attentiveness. In the context of spiritual warfare, this means being vigilant about the forces at work in our lives—both seen and unseen—and praying with intentionality. It is easy to become complacent in our prayer life, but being alert means staying engaged, being sensitive to the Spirit, and not allowing distractions to steal our focus.

Foster writes that “the key to prayer is being present.” This presence is not just physical but spiritual. It is about being aware of God’s presence, His Spirit within us, and His work in the world around us. Prayer is not passive; it requires active participation, and we must cultivate an alertness to what God is doing in and through us.

Praying for Boldness and Courage

Finally, Paul urges the Ephesians to pray for boldness and courage in proclaiming the gospel. Paul, despite being in chains, continues to ask for prayers that he may “fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:19). This request reveals that prayer is not just about personal needs but also about empowering believers to live out their calling in the world.

As we pray for boldness, we acknowledge that the Spirit equips us for ministry, giving us courage to speak out, even when it’s difficult or risky. Whether it’s sharing the gospel with a friend, standing up for justice, or living out our faith in a hostile world, we need the boldness that only God can provide.

Conclusion: A Life of Prayer

Praying in the Spirit is more than a spiritual discipline; it is a lifestyle. As Paul instructs, prayer should be ongoing, diverse, and fueled by the Spirit. It is a means of connection with God, a weapon against spiritual forces, and a way to align our will with His. When we pray in the Spirit, we step into the divine rhythm of God’s kingdom, participating in His work and strengthening our faith.

In every season, in every situation, prayer remains our lifeline. Whether we pray with words or in silence, with joy or in sorrow, prayer is the means by which we remain anchored in God’s presence, empowered for His service, and shaped for His glory.