REKINDLE YOUR PRAYER LIFE
(5-minute read)
Is it possible that the Christian prayer life has become more like an activity than it is actually a way of life for us? We have all the tools we need – the Bible, prayer guides, prayer journals, faith in the Word of God – but we pray only when we need safe travel, successful deals, and happy personal outcomes. Our prayer life becomes centred on needs rather than relationships, expressed as obligatory “amens” or emojis in chat groups rather than faith-building God-centred words of exhortation. Even earnest prayer requests often turn into a display of prayer one-upmanship with long verbose prayers that sound more like demands with bible citations than faith-infused conversations with God!
If only we know how much our prayers will enrich our life experience and relationships! To pray for others is to do life with them on a spiritual level - beyond likeability, proximity, shared interests and histories. To be sure, prayerfulness is not for the social hermit and faint-hearted because prayer is often self-initiated without invitation as we vicariously step into the lived realities of others and intercede on their behalf. It’s a commitment to elevate others and their experience of the love of our Heavenly Father.
But if there is any doubt that prayerfulness is an option for believers, Ephesians 6:10-18 should clear up all ambiguities.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 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.”
The final verse above provides us with three call to action that we should take note of:
PRAY IN THE SPIRIT
We cannot rely on reciting scripted prayers like chanting because prayer is not about changing God’s mind with persuasive words and insistent petitions. In fact, Spirit-led prophetic praying changes our perspective and understanding of situations and needs. The Holy Spirit gives us insightful wisdom and revelatory truths that edify not only the one we pray for, but also edify us – the ones who release the prayer.
“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.” (Romans 8:26–27 NLT).
It’s time to fire up our prayer life. It’s not about being more forceful but more focused, and not about being more articulate but more attentive to the Holy Spirit.
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
Scripture tells us not only to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18a), but also to “pray without ceasing… do not quench the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, 19 NKJV).
What it means is to stay in commune with God in good and bad times, in celebratory and difficult moments, whether we are happy or sad, to make prayer an integral part of the human experience of life.
There is a distinct difference between someone who prays and a praying person. Just as anyone can respond with caring gestures even without being particularly invested in anyone’s life, we can pray for others out of a sense of duty or obligation without really enjoying any real connection with them. On the other hand, authentic prayer takes over opinions and overcomes conflict, gives us hope, uplifts our spirit, and strengthens the foundation of our love for others.
PRAY WITH A CLEAR MIND
Finally, Ephesians 6:18b ends with this emphasis: “With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” The simple reason is because “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12).
To be alert is to keep clarity and alignment with the Word of God as our mental default. It’s important that we have a clear mind about what we are praying for, and who is answering our prayers. Once fear, doubts and anxieties begin to clutter our minds, we can be sure that the Enemy is closing in for dominance.
On this, we are amply warned:
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” (1 Peter 4:7).
“Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36).
It's time we rekindle our prayer life and go beyond praying for our personal needs. It’s time to restore prayerfulness into our relationships and way of life.
This is a summary and reflection based on a virtual BIR Session held on 15 March 2025.
