The upper room was filled with approximately 25 people. The diversity in clothing was a small glimpse into the array of stories that led each of us to this small sanctuary in Malaysia on a Thursday evening. As the prayers began many languages were heard; Tamil, English and those speaking in tongues. Prayers were lifted up for this nation, for its Christians, for the Malay, for those lost in worship to pseudo gods, for the persecutors and the persecuted, for community, for the church, for its missionaries, for those of us foreigners who have joined in their family. There were tears shed as passionate stories left the mouths of those proclaiming the Gospel in a nation of fear and revival. The prayers continued for the better part of two hours and the passion of the prayers remained at a constant intensity of seeking the heart of our God.
Within community, deep community, in nations outside of your own, you gain remarkable insight into the power of prayer. Whether it is planned prayer amongst the whole community, impromptu prayer with a stranger, or prayer between just you and God, this connection is a vital aspect of checking your heart and staying connected to the heart of Christ.
The Armor of God exists as our protective force as we seek to bring glory to God within this world. Ephesians 6: 10-18, depicting the Armor of God, ends in what seems to be the most important piece of the Armor: prayer. Prayer becomes our source of seeing and understanding our Armor. In a sense it is our training for battle. We can be geared up with the shield, the helmet, the chest plate, the belt, the sword and readied feet, but without training we will go into the greatest battle of all time like a lamb to slaughter.
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Ephesians 6:18)
We are to pray for understanding of our armor. To understand the wisdom of the belt, the heart of the breast plate, the discernment of the feet, the value of the shield, the purification of the helmet, and the weight of the sword.In all of this we must learn to discern the voice of our trainer. In our questions we must wait for his response, listen to the answers, and continue seeking understanding. Through prayer we train our hearts for the heat of the battle, so that we might discern his voice before our own.
Prayer does not stop with ourselves. Through prayer God trains us to stand as intercessors for those working to bring Glory to God. We are to prayer for those who teach and for those who listen, pray for those who are persecuted and those who are complacent.
As the prayers ended for the evening we were surrounded by the joy of the spirit within that small upper room. A joy one clings to, and a joy one seeks whether gathered as a large community or sitting in solace.
Can you see your armor? Do you know the value of each piece?
If not, ask God to show you.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29: 11-13 )
