Ephesians 6:18 Paul wraps up his letter to the believers in Ephesus with a guide to spiritual warfare. He identifies our enemy. What might come as a surprise is our enemy isn’t people we disagree with. It’s not even people who commit crimes…it’s not people at all. “For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood contending only with physical opponents, but against the despotisms, against the powers, against the master spirits who are the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly, supernatural sphere“. He identifies our opponent, instructs us about the importance of the Armor of God… our heavenly issued armor, not only protecting our minds and hearts with Truth, but also in power. We aren’t standing alone on the battlefield, He leads and is our rear guard. Paul reminds us, prayer on the battlefield is essential, as well as in every season of life. All kinds of prayer, intercessory, praying for others… Perhaps that means those we’ve labeled as enemies. It’s been said prayer changes things. And the truth is…its power changes our heart toward those who are hard to love. Are we willing to intercede on behalf of others, even those we ‘feel’ are unworthy? Prayers of Thanksgiving and worship, honoring and glorifying God, prayers sharing our joys and sorrows, expressing our needs…and wants. Prayers that have no words just an overwhelming desire to know His presence, to know Him as our Refuge and Strengthener. Lord, in this moment…we’re silent, looking for… listening for You, we take hold of what You say about us. Thank You for the prayer that brings us together, for the bond of love and grace. Lord help us live this day, remind us of who we fight against and where the battlefield is. We know we’re not alone, for You’re with us, always.
