What multitudes of prayers we have put up from the first moment when we learned to pray. Our first prayer was a prayer for ourselves; we asked that God would have mercy upon us, and blot out our sin. He heard us. But when he had blotted out our sins like a cloud, then we had more prayers for ourselves. We have had to pray for sanctifying grace, for constraining and restraining grace; we have been led to crave for a fresh assurance of faith, for the comfortable application of the promise, for deliverance in the hour of temptation, for help in the time of duty, and for succour in the day of trial. We have been compelled to go to God for our souls, as constant beggars asking for everything. Bear witness, children of God, you have never been able to get anything for your souls elsewhere. All the bread your soul has eaten has come down from heaven, and all the water of which it has drank has flowed from the living rock-Christ Jesus the Lord. Your soul has never grown rich in itself; it has always been a pensioner upon the daily bounty of God; and hence your prayers have ascended to heaven for a range of spiritual mercies all but infinite. Your wants were innumerable, and therefore the supplies have been infinitely great, and your prayers have been as varied as the mercies have been countless. Then have you not cause to say, "I love the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my supplication"? For as your prayers have been many, so also have been God's answers to them. He has heard you in the day of trouble, has strengthened you, and helped you, even when you dishonoured him by trembling and doubting at the mercy-seat. Remember this, and let it fill your heart with gratitude to God, who has thus graciously heard your poor weak prayers. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. "

This timeless classic from Charles Spurgeon will help to both start and end your day with wonderful insight into God's Word.

Charles Spurgeon's Morning & Evening

"Praying always." - Ephesians 6:18

Morning Devotional

In all of God's dealings with mankind, there is a curious merging of the divine and the human.Take the Bible, for example. There is the divine Author, and there are human authors, who wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.As far as salvation is concerned, it is of the Lord from start to finish. There is nothing a man can do to earn or deserve it. And yet he must receive it by faith. God clearly elects individuals to salvation, but they must enter in at the strait gate. And so Paul writes to Titus of "the faith of God's elect (Titus 1:1).From the divine standpoint, we are "kept by the power of God." Yet there is also the human side - "through faith" (1 Peter 1:5). "Kept by the power of God through faith."Only God can make me holy. Yet He will not make me holy without my cooperation. I must add to my faith virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love (2 Peter 1:5-7). I must put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18). I must put off the old man and put on the new man (Ephesians 4:22-24). I must walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16).You find the merging of the divine and the human in the whole area of Christian ministry. Paul plants, Apollos waters, but God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).When we come to leadership in the local church, we learn that only God can make a man an elder. Paul reminded the Ephesian elders that it was the Holy Spirit who had made them overseers (Acts 20:28). Yet a man's own will is involved. He must desire to exercise oversight (1 Timothy 3:1 JND).Finally, in the text with which we began, we see that it is God who destroys our enemies, but we must drive them out and destroy them (Deuteronomy 9:3 NASB).In order to be balanced Christians, we must recognize this merging of the divine and human. We must pray as if everything depended on God but work as if everything depended on us. Or to borrow the wartime exhortation, "Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition." As someone suggested, we must pray for a good harvest but keep on hoeing.

With reverence, humor and skill, William MacDonald wove a daily devotional tapestry that challenges the reader to think deeply and Biblically, and apply God's Word to their lives.

Truths to Live By - One Day at a Time

"He will destroy them…so that you may drive them out and destroy them." (Deuteronomy 9:3 NASB)

Ephesians 6:10-20"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." A great many times in the Bible, we are urged to be strong. It is not mere strength of body that is meant. Of course, we should develop our body, and so obey the laws of nature, as to keep well and be physically as strong as possible. But Goliath was not God's ideal of manly strength - he was nothing but a big body, with neither intellectual nor spiritual development. The strength which the Bible makes so much of, is strength of character - firmness of purpose, staunchness of principle, moral strength. The secret of it, is faith in Christ. If we are in Him, then all His strength is assured to us to fill our weakness.In one place Paul said he was strongest, when he was weakest - that is, he had most room then for Christ, and the most of Christ's strength rested upon him. We may always be sure of victory - if we keep close to Christ, rallying round His cross.The way to be strong is to "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." It is the armor of God, because He provides it. Our Captain does not send His soldiers out, without furnishing them all the equipment they need. But the soldier must put on the armor. Armor hanging on the wall, would not protect a man as he went into battle; he must take it down and put it on. There is armor provided for every Christian soldier. The Bible is a great armory, and there are in it all kinds of weapons of offense and defense. But it is not enough to have these pieces of armor provided in the Bible. We must put them on. The breastplate, the shield and the helmet will be no protection, unless we wear them. We must put on the armor ourselves - even Christ will not do it for us. Every soldier must look to his own preparation for warfare.God's armor is essential because "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." Perhaps the air is as full of evil spirits - as the streets are of people. It is well to understand, that we have enemies which we cannot see. There are bad men. Sometimes we see on the street a face which is full of evil, every look revealing wickedness and vileness. There are also invisible beings all around us which, if we could see, would terrify us with their loathsomeness. They are demons of Satan's army. If it were not that Christ had overcome Satan and all his hosts - this would be a fearful world to live in! But they are not all evil spirits, demons, which crowd the air - good angels are there, too, guarding Christ's little ones, and they are stronger than demons. Nevertheless, we must not underrate our enemies.The first item in the armor of God which we must wear, is the belt of truth. Having first this on, we are to stand in the face of the enemy, ready for the battle. It is not easy to stand in the presence of danger. That we may be able to stand, we should gird up our loins. Again, notice that we must gird our own loins - no one can do it for us. Truth is the belt, and no one can get truth for us. We must read our Bible for ourselves if we would have its truths enter our heart and become wrought into our character. Truth means reality, sincerity, honesty - no one can be sincere, real, or true, for us. It is a great thing to be true through and through, with truth in the inward parts, in the character, in the soul.Then, we must put on "the breastplate of righteousness." The breastplate covered the heart. It was made of the strongest material, so that no weapon could pierce it. The Christian's breastplate is righteousness. For one thing, this means Christ's righteousness, which makes us safe in the shadow of His cross. To belong to Christ is to be in holiest protection. When an American citizen was about to be shot in a Spanish country, his friends threw over him the American flag. This saved his life. So Christ's righteousness protects Christ's own people. Another meaning is that righteousness wrought into our character, in right principles and conduct, is a breastplate of protection for the Christian.The Christian must put on his feet the "preparation of the gospel of peace." The soldier needs strong shoes for rough roads ; the Christian needs good shoes, too, for much of the way is hard and steep. There is an old Bible word about shoes of iron, which God promises to give to His pilgrims when they have to walk over sharp roads. There is a beautiful legend of Jesus which says that one day, when He was walking beside the sea, being weary. He took off His sandals to bathe His feet in the pure, cool water. Then He said to Himself: "Three years, three years, and then, poor feet, the cruel nails will come and make you bleed! But that blood will lave all weary feet in their painful ways." Christ's feet bled and were hurt on the hard roads and with the nails - that we might have shoes to wear in life's rough paths.But all this preparation will be useless unless we take up "the shield of faith, with which. .. to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one." The ancient shield was large enough to cover all the person, and it was made so that darts striking it would not go through it. Faith is the Christian's shield. The evil one is always trying to wound us with his darts. These are ofttimes poisoned, or they are fiery - life's temptations are terrible. But if we are truly in Christ, none of these darts can touch us - they will be quenched in the shield we carry.Then comes the "helmet of salvation." "Salvation will he appoint for walls and bulwarks," said the old prophet. When one is safe in Christ, one is sheltered. No evil can touch us if we are near Christ. "Your life is hid with Christ in God.""Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." All other parts of the armor are for defense. There is something for every portion of the body - but the back. This suggests that the Christian soldier should never turn his back to the enemy, for his back is unprotected. The only weapon for active, aggressive fighting is the sword. It is called the sword of the Spirit, because the Spirit gives it its sharpness and power to thrust into men's hearts. Jesus Himself gave us an object lesson for the use of the sword when He met the tempter. He pierced him with texts of Scripture! We should learn to use the sword of the Spirit in the same way. The Word of God will drive away the enemies.Last, prayer is named, not because it is least important - but because it is so important. We are in danger of forgetting that prayer is a mighty force in the world. We live in a working age. We believe in all manner of earnest activities, in full consecration of our gifts and services to God. This is well - but, after all, there is no such power - as the power of prayer. Jesus made a great deal of it in His own life and in His teaching. In the book of Acts we find prayer everywhere, and in the epistles it is continually commanded. Paul many times pleads with his friends to pray for him, and he exhorts that intercessions shall be made for all men. Here he asks for prayers for all the saints, and then for himself, not that he might be set free from his chains - but that he might have greater power in witnessing for Christ.

A unique type of devotional from the writings of James Russell Miller, published between 1908 and 1913.

Devotional Hours Within the Bible

Ephesians 6:10-20

The Christian Armor

Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him”; and he will answer from within and say, “Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you”? I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs. § [Pray] always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” . . . “You have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” § Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

Daily Light on the Daily Path or Daily Light is a Christian daily devotional scripture reading published by Bagster & Sons about 1875. It has been reprinted continually since then. It consists of brief groupings of scripture passages which speak to prominent Biblical themes—two themes (morning and evening) for each day of the year. It appends no commentary, but simply allows scripture to speak for itself.

Morning Daily Light

 Men always ought to pray and not lose heart. 

I love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live. When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. § The Spirit … helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. § Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

 In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 

Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He has mercy on us. This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of meeting before the Lord, where I will meet you to speak with you. § In every place where I record My name I will come to you, and I will bless you. Where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. § The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. § Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. § Pray without ceasing.

 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. § We … have access by one Spirit to the Father. O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will. The Spirit … helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. § This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. § When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication.

 Praying in the Holy Spirit. 

It is the Spirit who gives life. § The Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. § [Pray] always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance. I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have given me life. § The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. § The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. § If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. § This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. No one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

 Revive us, and we will call upon Your name. 

Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. § [Pray] always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. § This is the will of God, your sanctification. God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness … Who has also given us His Holy Spirit. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.

Evening Daily Light

 The Spirit . . . makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 

Who, in the days of His flesh, … offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death. Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. § [Continue] steadfastly in prayer. § Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication. § By prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will. § This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. Delight yourself … in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.

 [Jesus] prayed the third time, saying the same words. 

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him … And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up … Pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. [Pray] always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers. § Always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

 Brethren, pray for us. 

18 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.

And pray in the Spirit<cr>1</cr> on all occasions<cr>2</cr> with all kinds of prayers and requests.<cr>3</cr> With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying<cr>4</cr> for all the Lord’s people.

Ephesians 6:18

 18 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.

From Wikipedia: 

The New International Version (NIV) is an English translation of the Bible first published in 1978 by Biblica (formerly the International Bible Society). The NIV was published to meet the need for a modern translation done by Bible scholars using the earliest, highest quality manuscripts available. Of equal importance was that the Bible be expressed in broadly understood modern English.

The NIV is published by Zondervan in the United States and Hodder & Stoughton in the UK. The NIV was updated in 1984 and 2011 and has become one of the most popular and best-selling modern translations.

OT: Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia; additional sources;
NT: UBS Greek New Testament; Novum Testamentum Graece; additional sources;

New International Version

 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.

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.

 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.

Bible Verse of the Day

December 15, 2024

Ephesians 6:18 NIV

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