Day 618: The peace prayer brings - Ephesians 6 vs 17 -24

17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,  praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.18 To that end keep alert with all perseverance, 19-20 making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. 23-24 Peace be to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. Ephesians 6:17-24 (English Standard Version)

Paul urged the Christians at Ephesus to make God's truth and righteousness central to their lives and to stand firm in faith against the opposition Satan brought against them. He said they must hold fast to the salvation Christ had given them and always be ready to tell others of the gospel. He also told them to use God's word in their encounters with those who confronted them. What is the other important thing he urged them to do? (vs 17)

They were to make much of prayer. The word 'supplication' meant 'humble requests'. It's when someone is in a difficult situation and needs help. In Philippians 4:6 Paul wrote: “Don't be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition (i.e. supplication), with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” What is required for such praying? (vs 18)

We need to be awake and alert to what is going on around us in this spiritual battle. When Christ was facing the supreme test of the cross He took His disciples with Him to a quiet place and earnestly prayed that, if it was possible, the cup of suffering might be taken from Him. Sadly, the disciples all fell asleep during His time of deep need. But we’re told in Luke's gospel that “an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened him.” (Luke 22:42-43) We may not see an angel, but prayer is often the way through which God strengthens the believer.

No wonder Paul encouraged them to pray for one another, and for himself as well. The great apostle said that he needed the prayers of others. What else can vs 19-20 tell us about prayer? 

Prayer is not just babbling words and phrases. Paul asked them to pray for specific things. We should rely on God's Spirit to lead us in our prayers, but we must also use our minds to think about what we are asking. We should pray intelligently as well as fervently.

So we come to the final paragraph of his letter and he speaks of someone named Tychicus. Many Christians have probably not heard of him. But how does Paul describe him in vs 21?

He was a well loved brother in the Lord, and a faithful servant of Christ. From the New Testament book of Acts, and from some of Paul's other letters, we get a picture of Tychicus as being a very humble and loyal friend to Paul. In fact, he was with Paul when Paul was in prison nearing the end of his life. No wonder Paul was sending him to Ephesus to 'encourage their hearts'. None of us can ever be an apostle (in the strict sense of that word). Probably none of us will rise to any prominence in the faith. But if we love our fellow believers as Tychicus did, and can be a loyal friend and encouragement giver, our life will have been well worthwhile. Read verses 23-24 and take to heart the things said there which belong to every one who has believed on Jesus Christ for salvation from sin. Peace, love and grace are our portion in the world, no matter how hard Satan fights against us.