Ephesians 6:18
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The phrase "with all prayer and supplication" suggests not just one type of prayer, but engaging in every possible form of communication with God. This isn't just about asking for things, but also about heartfelt conversations, urgent pleas, and expressions of gratitude, all of which are necessary for spiritual warfare.
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul concludes his spiritual warfare analogy by emphasizing prayer as the ultimate weapon. He instructs believers to pray continuously on all occasions, not just when facing immediate crisis, but to do so with genuine heart, through the Spirit's power, and with unwavering persistence. This persistent prayer isn't just for themselves but extends to a deep intercession for all fellow believers around the world.
Think prayer is just for Sundays or emergencies? Paul says 'no way!' This verse calls us to a richer, more robust prayer life.
Paul uses phrases like 'at all times' and 'with all prayer and supplication' not to mean constantly speaking words, but to emphasize:
Paul doesn't just tell us to pray; he tells us how. It requires a watchful spirit and unyielding persistence.
The spiritual battle is serious, and Paul calls us to approach prayer with the intensity of a soldier on duty:
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This passage directly encourages believers to 'always pray and not give up,' mirroring Ephesians 6:18's emphasis on praying 'at all times' and 'with all perseverance'.
1 Thessalonians 5:17This verse instructs believers to 'pray without ceasing,' reinforcing the idea found in Ephesians 6:18 that prayer should be a continuous, all-encompassing practice in the Christian life.
Romans 8:26This passage speaks of the Holy Spirit helping us in our weakness and interceding for us when we don't know what to pray for, connecting to the idea of praying 'in the Spirit' mentioned in Ephesians 6:18.
Philippians 4:6This verse parallels Ephesians 6:18 by urging believers not to be anxious but to make their requests known to God 'in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving,' highlighting the comprehensive nature of prayer.
Colossians 4:2This verse calls believers to 'continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving,' which echoes the call to 'keep alert with all perseverance' in prayer found in Ephesians 6:18.
vincentEphesians 6:18: "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"
Always (ἐν παντὶ καιρῷ)Incorrect. It means on every occasion. Rev., at all seasons. Compare Luke 21:36.With all prayer and supplication (διὰ πάσης προσευχῆς καὶ δεήσεως)Prayer is general, supplication special. Διά with is literally through; that is, through the medium of. All, lit., every. Prayer is of various kinds, formal, sil…
barnesEphesians 6:18: "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"
Praying always - It would be well for the soldier who goes forth to battle to pray - to pray for victory; or to pray that he may be prepared for death, should he fall. But soldiers do not often feel the necessity of this. To the Christian soldier, however, it is indispensable. Prayer crowns all lawful efforts with success and gives a vict…
The phrase "with all prayer and supplication" suggests not just one type of prayer, but engaging in every possible form of communication with God. This isn't just about asking for things, but also about heartfelt conversations, urgent pleas, and expressions of gratitude, all of which are necessary for spiritual warfare.
Paul concludes his spiritual warfare analogy by emphasizing prayer as the ultimate weapon. He instructs believers to pray continuously on all occasions, not just when facing immediate crisis, but to do so with genuine heart, through the Spirit's power, and with unwavering persistence. This persistent prayer isn't just for themselves but extends to a deep intercession for all fellow believers around the world.
Paul concludes his spiritual warfare analogy by emphasizing prayer as the ultimate weapon. He instructs believers to pray continuously on all occasions, not just when facing immediate crisis, but to do so with genuine heart, through the Spirit's power, and with unwavering persistence. This persistent prayer isn't just for themselves but extends to a deep intercession for all fellow believers around the world.
"praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints," — The phrase "with all prayer and supplication" suggests not just one type of prayer, but engaging in every possible form of communication with God. This isn't just about asking for things, but also ab…
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Last reviewed October 2026
