September 9
Interceding for
the Church
Ephesians 6:18
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.
Daily Steps
After emphasizing prayer for those in authority (Day 251) and the priority of worshipping God (Day 252), this verse focuses the new believer's intercession on the spiritual family—the Church. It commands active, continuous prayer for the body of believers: always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
The peace in this principle is found in spiritual unity:
The Manner of Prayer: We are commanded to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. This means prayer should be guided by the Holy Spirit (The Helper, Day 213), utilizing all available forms of communication (petitions, intercessions, thanksgiving). This continuous, comprehensive approach requires diligence (Day 241) and alertness.
The Focus of Intercession: The specific target is all the Lord’s people (the Church). This is an extension of the call to sincere love (Day 217). Interceding for fellow believers strengthens the bonds of unity (Day 161), protects them from spiritual attack, and helps them bear the burdens of one another.
The Result is Strength: When believers consistently pray for each other, the Church is strengthened. This communal strength secures the spiritual environment necessary for individual peace and holiness (Day 251). Your personal well-being is intrinsically tied to the well-being of the whole body.
Your peace is secured by spiritual unity. Embrace the Discipline of Prayer by always keeping on praying for all the Lord’s people, knowing that your intercession protects and strengthens the Church, which is the source of your fellowship and support.
Reflective Question
How often does your prayer time include specific intercession for all the Lord’s people (e.g., your small group, local church leadership, missionaries)? Who is one person in your spiritual family facing a specific struggle that you can intentionally pray for in the Spirit today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the spiritual family You have given me. I confess my tendency to neglect my spiritual siblings. I pray for the discipline to be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. I pray for unity, strength, and peace for the Church around the world. Secure my peace today in the knowledge that I am part of a spiritually supported and defended body. Amen.
