{"id":11112,"date":"2013-04-13T00:01:28","date_gmt":"2013-04-13T04:01:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/girlfriendscoffeehour.com\/?p=11112"},"modified":"2013-04-12T19:57:25","modified_gmt":"2013-04-12T23:57:25","slug":"prayer-is-the-final-piece","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/girlfriendscoffeehour.com\/wordpress\/2013\/04\/13\/prayer-is-the-final-piece\/","title":{"rendered":"Prayer is the Final Piece"},"content":{"rendered":"

Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by the strength of His might.
\nPut on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil.
\nFor our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,
\nagainst the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.
\nThis is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist
\nin the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.
\nStand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist,
\nrighteousness like armor on your chest,
\nand your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.
\nIn every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able
\nto extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
\nTake the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God\u2019s word.<\/p>\n

Pray<\/span> at all times in the Spirit with every prayer<\/span> and request,
\nand stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.<\/p>\n

Ephesians 6:10-18<\/p>\n

In our current study of Lisa Bevere\u2019s book, Girls With Swords<\/span> haven\u2019t we SO loved looking at this encouraging section in the Scriptures?!?\u00a0 We have considered the various pieces of the Armor of God.\u00a0 We have been encouraged to put them on each morning as we prepare for our day. We have been reminded that they are TRUTH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, FAITH, and SALVATION\u2014a strong foundation on which to take our stand.\u00a0 We have seen that, clothed with this Armor of God, we are equipped and enabled to stand, resisting all the tactics and wiles of the enemy.<\/p>\n

Now, consider this…. We garb ourselves in this protective suit of Armor.\u00a0 We take up the sword of the spirit.\u00a0 And then we are told “pray<\/strong><\/em><\/span>.”\u00a0 One would think that we are ready to go, right?\u00a0 But truly prayer<\/span> is the final piece, the item that links all the pieces together.\u00a0 It reminds me of a football player…outfitted with all those pieces of his uniform (pads, helmet, etc.) that are designed to protect him…ready to head out of the locker room to battle his \u2018enemy\u2019\u2014the other team.\u00a0 And the coach says, \u2018Take a knee.\u2019<\/p>\n

This final piece\u2014prayer<\/span>\u2014is not the half-hearted whispering of a prayer<\/span>.\u00a0 But rather it is prayer<\/span> spoken with passion, with faith, with \u2018strong purpose and perseverance.\u2019\u00a0 It is prayer<\/span> uttered with humble wholeheartedness to the One Who hears our prayer<\/span>s and answers.<\/p>\n

So often when the Scriptures communicate to us on the matter of prayer<\/span>, the words used are compelling.\u00a0 As you read these next few verses see which words jump out at you.\u00a0 (Clue: they are NOT the words marked in red!)<\/p>\n

Philippians 4:6
\nDo not fret or<\/i> have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and<\/i> in everything, by prayer<\/span> and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.<\/p>\n

Colossians 4:2
\nContinue steadfastly in prayer<\/span>, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.<\/p>\n

Romans 12:12
\nRejoice and<\/i> exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and<\/i> tribulation; be constant in prayer<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Which words did you find grabbing your attention…were they words like, \u2018steadfast\u2019 and \u2018constant\u2019 and \u2018everything\u2019 and \u2018watchful?\u2019<\/p>\n

\"prayer\"<\/a><\/p>\n

So as you put on your Armor, my sisters, never forget that the last piece\u2014the prayer<\/em> <\/strong><\/span>piece\u2014is not put ON but rather put IN\u2014into your heart!\u00a0 Prayer<\/span> is a truly important part of the equipping of a Jesus girl who desires to be a hero…a warrior.<\/p>\n

My prayer is that as you draw near to Your heavenly Father, seeking His guidance and direction, His help and protection, you would recognize how tenderly He looks on you…His daughter, His child, His warrior, His hero.\u00a0 He loves you with an everlasting love, and He never EVER will leave you…You are His!<\/p>\n