https://odb.org/2024/04/29/pray-and-watch
Paul teaches in Ephesians 6:12 – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. In other words, our real battle is not against human beings but against dark forces in the spiritual realm whose ultimate aim is to tempt and deceive people to walk the broad path that leads to destruction. It is the path that may be filled with fame and riches where the pride of life and the lusts of the flesh and eyes are celebrated. This is the realm where the minds and souls are imprisoned by beliefs and value systems contrary to Christ.
That is why in Ephesians 6:11, Paul teaches us as believers to put on the armour of God so that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Finally, in verse 18, Paul advocates that we pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests and be alert. Pray in the Spirit all the time and yet, at the same time, be alert. It means that as we pray, we must be watchful, to keep awake. In other words, we need to be aware of our surroundings because when we pray in a heavenly language that we do not understand, we may doze off and be a danger to ourselves and others. This is what happened to the lady in today’s ODB life story where she prayed while driving and closed her eyes and crashed her car!
There is a need to pray as our battle is not against flesh and blood but principalities and powers of darkness. But as we pray, we have to be alert, and may I add also be sensitive to the Spirit and exercise discernment. The latter is nevessary as the Spirit may reveal to us people to pray for that we may free such people from the bondage of sin and the stranglehold of the evil one. Someone may be going through something pivotal in their lives, and the Spirit may prompt us to pray for that person.
Ronnie's Thoughts 