Prayer

[John81]

Ephesians 6:18 is often pointed to and preached on as telling us prayer is part of our spiritual armour, a means of engaging in spiritual warfare. These points are true but how often do we consider that this verse also says we are to be praying for "all saints"?

 

Have you considered this?

 

How do you practice praying for "all saints"?

 

That's my main point question, but I would also like to hear other thoughts on that verse as well.

[DaveW]

I include it the Armour of God because contextually it is included.
I like to suggest that if it was today, Paul would liken it to the "two way radio of prayer" - today a soldier also has communication to his leaders and to his fellow soldiers - in Paul's time there was no real equivalent, so he simply adds it on without the picture.......

[John81]

I believe you are correct. As Jesus said, without Him we can do nothing.

 

What about the aspect of praying for all saints? Does this mean ALL saints? Those we know? Those we know of? Our local congregation?

 

I've not heard that aspect addressed in preaching or reading.

[AVBibleBeliever]

Eph 6:17, 10 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

 

Php 4:5-7 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.   Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.   And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

 1Tim 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
 

[John81]

Does anyone "pray for all saints"?

[Invicta]

My wife and I regularly pray for all the persecuted saints around the world, although we only know of a few of them. We know there are many more, thousands or perhaps  millions, but we can only pray in general for persecuted believers, adding the names or the description, such as "That pastor we heard of in prison in Iran" if we don't know his name.

[John81]

I use missionary reports and news stories for prompting to pray more specifically. The use of general prayers is also something I do.

[AVBibleBeliever]

the little guy sitting next to you in church is a saint.  Do you pray for him?

 

the over weight lady in the choir is a saint.  Do you pray for her?

 

Every believer is a siant do you pray for them?

[John81]

What is a slant? (joking, I recognize that's a typo)

 

It should go without stating that myself, and hopefully others, pray for those saints we know, are familiar with, who sit in fellowship with us.

 

My question is in regards to just what it means to pray for "all saints" and in considering this, what do we take "all saints" to mean. What practical ways can we pray for "all saints".

[AVBibleBeliever]

I pray for the Body of Christ and that would be all saints.

 

Yeah I corrected the typo

[Covenanter]

When we read Paul's prayers, they are both general & very specific.

 

A blue letter Bible search for ALL SAINTS reminds us that we are numbered with all saints - we're not alone. Try Eph. 3:14-21