Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests

  ~ Ephesians 6:18 ~

This week, our family celebrated a special milestone: my 9-month-old grandson, Thommy-boy, said his very first word—“Baby.” Moments like that remind us how wonderful life can be even during tough times. Later, I thought: What if, ten years from now, that was still the only word he could say? We’d all see that something was seriously wrong. Growth means expanding language, forming deeper connections, and improving our ability to communicate. Remember, prayer is the strength of a united relationship, whether it’s marriage, friendship, work, community, or even an Army—an Army of God ready to fight. 

At this point in the “what if” thought with Thommy, something struck me: this is exactly why so many Christians struggle in prayer (God’s Strength) and fail to unite. Most believers learn the “first words” of prayer early in their faith: “God help,” “Thank You,” “Jesus,” “Amen.” It’s a beautiful beginning. Just like myself, Nana, and Thommy-boy’s parents, Heaven rejoices over them. But suppose those first words never develop into a stronger connection, deeper conversation, and a sacred language with God and others. In that case, something is missing, and the truth will remain immature, never reaching maturity or unity in reality. Prayer maturity is not about the length or complexity of your prayers, but about the depth of your relationship with God and others. 

Prayer Is Not Just Talking—It’s Connecting

Think of prayer like a spiritual GPS. Just as a GPS guides you turn by turn to your destination, prayer guides you through life's journey. It doesn’t speak once; it speaks constantly, clearly, and personally. It works only when you stay connected, and prayer operates the same way. It’s the ongoing connection that keeps a person aligned with God’s direction.

Let’s think about it. When prayer stays at a toddler level, the guidance stays limited. But when prayer matures, clarity grows, courage strengthens, and purpose becomes unmistakable. Prayer, then, is a connection expressed through sound and healthy communication that results in unity. It becomes a real relational connection with God and others.

Why This Matters for the Armor of God

In our yearlong study at Elevating Life Church and RMV, we’ve been exploring the Armor of God in Ephesians 6. Most people know the big pieces—the helmet, belt, breastplate, shield, sword, and shoes. But the most overlooked part comes near the end: Again, Paul says. “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” ~ Ephesians 6:18

Paul doesn’t see prayer as optional gear. He views it as the communication system and cycle of the Lord's Army. You see... Without prayer, the armor is there but not energized, offering little or no strength. Without prayer, believers stand—but cannot coordinate. Without prayer, we fight— but lacking strategy or God’s plan.

Prayer transforms individual armor into collective strength. That’s why Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us: a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Unity cannot exist without communication. Therefore, strength comes from connection with God and others, expressed through communication to build God’s Kingdom through prayer and to preserve unity.

A Call to Grow Up in Prayer

My grandson’s first word, without a doubt, is a delight and a joy. But we all expect his connections, vocabulary, and language skills to grow. The same is true for our spirit, soul, and body: all of God’s children should be striving for this in their spiritual lives, to experience a joyous and meaningful reality.

If prayer has felt small, limited, or stuck, don’t see it as failure— see it as an invitation to grow. Because in a world that feels increasingly chaotic, the people who stay connected to God and others properly will be the ones who stand firm, stay united, and carry peace into the places that need it most. And that’s what the Armor of God is all about. Strength through unity, and that only comes about through prayer!

So, therefore, stand tall, child of God. Put on the whole Armor of God, pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of connections, requesting that God’s will be done no matter what through Jesus Christ! Stay tuned for more on prayer as we, together, reveal the power of prayer through this new mini-series on strength and unity connected to God’s Armor. Thus…

Stay strong. Shine bright. Suit up!

~ Pastor Drake