The importance of PRAYER: Part 3

    Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. [14] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. [16] In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; [17] and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, [18] praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
    Ephes. 6:10-18
        It is important that we pray for one another for the battle that is our life in Christ in this sinful world.  There are enough things in this world that fight against our faith, to the end that God gives to us this marvelous weapon of prayer for the battle.  Here in these verses Paul talks about putting on the whole armor of God, and lists what those things are, which are for our use and at our disposal, free gifts of God to use in the fight to keep and promote faith and the gospel to all nations.  In other words, God does not send us Christians out ill-equipped for what we are going to face.  Rather, God gives it, and what He gives, He expects us to use. Paul here is encouraging us to do so, because we will need it. 
     Notice that he adds at the end to pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.  Prayer is such an important thing for Christians, that Paul includes it as part of the armor and weaponry that God gives to us in the battle of faith that we are in, that we may endure in the faith unto the end.
     Onward Christian Soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus, going on before!  Oh, and as we are marching, let us not forget to pray without ceasing.  (More on that next time!)
Thanks for reading, and God bless you!