Pray and Watch

Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread. The reading for today titled Pray and Watch was written by Marvin Williams.

When fighting spiritual battles, believers in Jesus should take prayer seriously. A Florida woman found out how dangerous it can be, however, to practice it unwisely. When she prayed, she closed her eyes. But while driving one day and praying, with eyes shut, she failed to stop at a stop sign, flew through an intersection, and went off-road into a homeowner's yard. She then tried unsuccessfully to back off the lawn.

Though not injured, she was given a police citation for reckless driving and property damage. This prayer warrior missed a key part of Ephesians 6.18, be alert. As part of the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul includes two final pieces. First, we should fight spiritual battles with prayer. This means praying in the Spirit, relying on His power. Also, resting in His guidance and responding to His promptings, praying all kinds of prayers on all occasions.

Second, Paul encouraged us to be alert. Spiritual alertness can aid us in being prepared for Jesus' return, gaining victory over temptation, and interceding for other believers. As we fight spiritual battles daily, let's permeate our lives with a pray-and-watch approach, combating evil powers and piercing the darkness with the light of Christ.

Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from Ephesians chapter 6 verses 10 through 20. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 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. 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, stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. 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. Pray also for me that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly as I should. Let's pray. Dear Lord, would you please help us to always be alert to our own needs and the needs of others around us. May we immediately turn to you for help, comfort and protection, and trust that you will faithfully meet our every need. Thank you, Lord. It's in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen. Thanks so much for listening today.