Pray In The Spirit

We're asking why Jesus teaches us to pray to the heavenly Father to "lead us not into temptation." As noted in my previous post, temptations to sin are inevitable, because we live in a world of sinful men that is under the control of the dark powers led by the devil, the god of this world. We pray that we will not have to deal with such battles, but if we do, Father, and if You believe it is best, then please equip us for such spiritual warfare.

from Jay's Roman History

In another blog three years ago I wrote in detail about putting on spiritual armor. Using the image of a Roman foot soldier, the Apostle Paul outlines the whole armor the Father provides and which we are to wear in such warfare. Please turn to that blog for further instructions about wearing this armor. It includes . . .

• Belt   - truth
• Breastplate  - righteousness
• Shoes   - gospel of peace
• Shield  - faith
• Helmet  - salvation
• Sword   - Word of God

Paul urges us to 

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. - Eph 6:11-12 ESV

Following up on that, the Apostle urges us to pray at all times in the Spirit, praying about everything in every way you know how! And keeping all this in mind, pray on behalf of God's people. Keep on praying feverishly, he urges, and be on the lookout in your prayers for those who are assigned to proclaim the gospel, pastors and teachers. 

Above all, don't be afraid. We're part of the winning army. We're the children of God. And even when you don't know how to pray or what to say, be at peace. The Holy Spirit who lives in your heart and who has given you faith to trust in Jesus will help you in your weakness. Often we don't know what to say or how to put our prayers into words. The Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings and sighs that go beyond words. The Holy Spirit knows the will of our heavenly Father. And therefore the Spirit intercedes for our children, our parents, our friends and loved ones in ways we don't understand. 

So be at peace and let that peace fill your heart with joy in the LORD. Everything will turn out according to the will of the Father whom we humbly call Abba, Daddy, our Father who loves us and who sent our Brother Jesus to rescue and redeem us all.