First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Cambridge, Massachusetts

The Lord’s Day April 27, 2003 Anno Domini

Ephesians 6:18-20

Praying in the Spirit

Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

  I.  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.
 

      A.  The Lord commands us often to pray. Luke 18:1; 1Thess 5:17; 1Tim
2:8.
     

      B. The Lord provides his Spirit so we can pray. Eph 6:18;
Rom 8:15, 26; John 4:24; Eph 2:22; Eph 5:18; Zech 4:6; Mark 1:8;
Acts 4:31.
     

      C. Prayer and supplication: our speech to God. 2Chronicles
6:18 ff.; 1Kings 9:3; Psalm 19:14; 1Kgs 8:38-39; Shorter
Catechism Q. 98.
     

   II. Being watchful in it, persevering in it.
 

     A.  Christ himself our example.
        1. For reflection. Matt 14:23.
        2.      When persecuted. Ps 109:4; Matt 5:44.
        3.      When denying the flesh. Matt 26:39-41.
        4.      Personal, private prayer. Mark 1:35; 6:46; Luke 5:16;
9:28; Matt 6:6.
       

     B.  Christ is our teacher. Luke 11:1; Matt 6:7-13; Mark
11:25.
    

     C.  Praying and watching. Eph 6:18; Luke 21:34, 36.
    

   III. Praying for all the saints and for all the preachers.
 

     A.  Praying for one another. Daniel 9:20; John 17:9; Eph
1:15-16; 3:14 ff.; Phil 1:9; Jude 1:20.
    

     B.  Requested prayer.
            1. Prayer for help to do what seems beyond our ability.
Eph 6:19-20.
        2. Prayer for godliness and faithfulness. Hebrews 13:18.
        3. Prayer for blessing and for help. Matt 19:13; James
5:14.
       

     C.  Praying for all things alone, at home, and in church.
Psalm 55:16-17; James 5:13.
    

     D.  How to pray. Matthew 6:9-13 "In this manner, therefore,
pray...
    

Pastor Christian Adjemian, Dipl.Div., Ph.D.

pastor@reformedprescambridge.com phone: 617.864.3185