Paul encourages us to pray in every way on every occasion for everyone. It is not hard to see why. As soldiers go into battle they summon up all their strength. Their lives are at stake. Paul compares prayer to the battlefield. A Christian prepares himself, gets everything ready, draw his sword and goes into battle, first by dropping to his knees and "praying in the spirit."

We need to be aware that prayer is the lifeline of God's power for us. It is the thing we do that can destroy the evil works of Satan. We don't realize it but Satan wants to destroy us. He comes but to steal kill and destroy. His purpose is to make your life miserable. And that he will do if given the opportunity. Prayer is the one thing that he is most scared of. It is the one thing that he will try to sabotage in our lives. How many of us have trouble praying? How many of us, as soon as we start praying have distracting thoughts, get tired, lose interest? It's the enemies' plan. He wants to destroy our line of power. Nato right now is engaged in much the same strategy. They are bombing Oil depots and television stations, Why? If they cut off communications and the flow of oil (power) they will cripple the Serbian war machine. Rob them of their oil and their machinery can't run. They begin to become vulnerable. The same with us. Our pipeline to God is broken when we allow Satan to blow up our prayer life.

We can see Paul's urgency to get us to pray. No other piece of armor is mentioned to this length. Pray at all times for everyone with all kinds of prayers. Pray for all the saints, but also pray for me. Now we see the end result of prayer. The purpose behind the power that God desires to provide us with. Why do you want God's power? This question needs to be seriously asked. "Because I want to be a victorious Christian1" Good answer but not what Paul was looking for. Paul says pray that I may have boldness to preach the Gospel. Pray that I may have opportunities to win people for Christ. Pray that I can preach the good news with clarity of mind and speech. Listen to Paul's heart. God's power is unleashed for the sole purpose of expanding His kingdom. While the results of that in our life may be joy, peace, healing, happiness, great marriages, discernment, spirituality, a fulfilled life... these things are not the goal of God's power. Are you concerned about spreading the Gospel? If you are not, I am sorry for you my friend. You may never know God's power in the way Paul is talking.

Paul was an ambassador in chains. His life at this point was all but happy. He was chained to Roman guards, in prison. His life was on the line. His circumstances bit the big taco. But what was he concerned about. His witness and its example to all who would see him. There was a temptation in Paul's life to be silent and by so doing, get out of jail. There was a temptation for Paul to be silent when he needed to be a witness. We know the feeling. Paul asks for prayer so that he can look past his circumstances and live for the gospel. So that he would have boldness to do that which God has called him to. Paul is in need of prayer so that he doesn't chicken out and sell out God just for a chance to make his life more comfortable. Paul says to pray for him. Pray past his circumstances and worries and cares and pray for one thing...That God's will be done in his life. That he could accomplish that one thing that God would have him to do. It would cost him his life, it would cost him comfort, it would cost him everything. But Paul's desire is to preach Christ and make him be known. God power is available when those who need it will use it, not for their own glory and needs, but for God's purposes and will. Again we get back to the Lord's prayer. Give us this day our daily bread comes after Thy will be done.

Are you focussed on God and His kingdom. Or are you focussed on what you can get out of God. Are you really concerned with doing God's will? Do you really want God's power or are you happy knowing about God and being religious. Is Jesus just a means to an end or is He your end? Do you want God's power for yourself or so you can bring His salvation to the world? Are you living a powerless Christian life? What could you do to unleash God's Power in your personal life? Are there people you have been silent to? Are you trying to convince yourself that God doesn't want you to witness? Are you hiding behind shyness and cowardice? What can you do to break out of you quiet life?