The Importance of Prayer in Ephesians -- By: James E. Rosscup

Journal: Masters Seminary Journal
Volume: TMSJ 06:1 (Spring 1995)
Article: The Importance of Prayer in Ephesians
Author: James E. Rosscup


The Importance of Prayer in Ephesians

James E. Rosscup

Professor of Bible Exposition

Ephesians in general and itsarmorpassage (6:10–20) in particular devote a major focus to the importance of prayer in Christian life and ministry. The power in the armor is essential if believers are to win the battle against Satan and his demonic forces. The parts of the armor denote different spiritual aspects of Christian living that are also essential. None of the above can be appropriated without prayer modeled according to the principles of Scripture. Eleven considerations show prayer to be inseparable from victory in spiritual warfare. The uses ofallin Eph 6:18 are a call to anall-outcommitment to prayer and remind Christian soldiers of its crucial importance.

* * * * *

The urgent exhortation of Eph 6:10 presses home to each Christian: “be strong in the Lord.” Each one must live in that power of God’s armor (Eph 6:10–13). Through this means alone can the believer successfully encounter the devil and his demonic associates, who seek to prevail. A life based on such power finds expression in the six parts of the armor that the Christian should implement (6:14–17). The power represented by the armor relates vitally to prayer (6:18–20). The writer himself models prayer for his readers (1:15–23; 3:14–21). Later, he calls on them to pray in all things and for him as they realize God’s power in their lives and demonstrate it in implementing the armor. In the two long passages of Paul’s model, prayer is strategic in the realization of the wealth of Christians in Christ. Further, it is strategic in the closing of the epistle as it climaxes the call to live in God’s power, possessing His whole armor and letting that power permeate every part of the armor.

This study spotlights the summons for Christians to use the power of God’s armor. The parts of the armor specify the elements of that power, and prayer imparts effectiveness to the armor.

Rereading all thirteen of Paul’s epistles with a special eye for

references to prayer is a rich experience. Checking these references against a list found in the Society of New Testament Studies monog...

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