"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Ephesians 6:18

 May 6

"Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready and never give up. Always pray for all God's people." - Ephesians 6:18 (NCV)

Paul wrote this inspirational letter to the Ephesians when a prisoner in Rome, surrounded by Roman soldiers guarding him while living in chains. Undiscouraged and undefeated, Paul never gave up. Instead, he wrote powerful letters of encouragement to others from prison and shared the Good News of Christ with his guards. He never asked the Ephesians to pray his chains would be removed but that he could continue to witness courageously for Christ in spite of his chains. God can use us in any circumstance to do his will. Even as we pray for changes in our situation, we can also pray the Lord will accomplish his perfect plans through us just where we are now. How can we never give up in challenging times? Paul tells us in today's verse there are six things essential for persevering in tough time and not giving up:

1) Pray "in the Spirit" or with assistance of the Holy Spirit;

2) Pray at all times not just occasionally;

3) Use a variety of prayers or "all kinds" of prayers;

4) Ask God for all needed not just some things;

5) Stay alert or "always be ready";

6) Pray for all God's people.

We may wonder, "How can anyone pray 'at all times'."? One way is using quick or brief prayers in response to difficulties. Another is to focus on God so our life itself can become a prayer. We don't have to isolate from others and our work to pray constantly. We can make prayer our life and our life a prayer while living for Christ in a post Christian culture that desperately needs God's Holy Spirit Don't give up! Only you can share the unique gifts God has given you. Your contribution is vital to making this world a better place.

Prayer: Lord, Help me keep my focus on you so I will not grow discouraged and be tempted to give up. Amen. 

 Meditation For The Day: Look up to keep up with God.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)