With all prayers and supplications, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones and also for me, that speech may be given me to open my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains, so that I may have the courage to speak as I must.
Thoughts: We are asked to pray at all times and in the Spirit. At all times, this means everything we do, every single day should be offered up as a prayer. By the grace of God, I now consider myself first a disciple of Christ. One who's mission is to spread the word of God. I just develop software on the side to feed my family. So, it is my everyday 'being' a disciple that I offer up as prayer to the Lord including my prayer time.
What does it mean to pray in the Spirit? This means prayer from the heart. We must pray with confidence and not give up. The word supplication means to be submissive or to bow in obedience. It also means being willing to be quiet and listen for that still small voice that speaks to us in prayer. We cannot do this if we are surrounded by 'noise'. We need to be willing to turn off the television, radio, iPod, computer, and phone. Just sitting with Jesus is important, to put ourselves in His presence waiting to hear his message for us.
Finally, our prayer must be one that is submissive to God’s will. We must surrender our will to the Father. I pray the prayer of abandonment almost daily. This helps me to daily surrender myself to His will. When remain submissive to God, He will give us a boldness to proclaim His word to the world. It is through this constant prayer that we find courage to speak as we must.
Prayer of Abandonment
Father,
I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures.
I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul;
I offer it to you
with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord,
and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands,
without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father.
Charles de Foucald
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