) As long as we display love in its various manifestations, neither Satan nor any of his agents, visible or invisible, will be able to weaken our stand against them.—1 Corinthians 13:4-8. 17 To be able to stand firm against Satan’s devices, we must also make full use of prayer. Why? Because we simply cannot come off victorious in our own strength. We need help from on high. After describing spiritual armor, Paul urged fellow believers to use ‘every form of prayer and supplication, carrying on prayer on every occasion in spirit.’ To that end they were to “keep awake with all constancy and with supplication in behalf of all the holy ones,” including the apostle.—Ephesians 6:18, 19. 18 “Every form of prayer” includes what? One form of prayer is praise. Certainly in view of who Jehovah is, his qualities and his position in the universe, he merits our praise. (Psalm 33:1) Another form of prayer is thanksgiving. And what reasons we have to give thanks to the Giver of “every good gift and every perfect present”! (James 1:17) Most fittingly, we are counseled to “give thanks to Jehovah for his loving-kindness and for his wonderful works to the sons of men.” (Psalm 107:31) Our having appreciative hearts and minds will indeed help us to stand firm against Satan. 19 Petition is another form of prayer. We can appropriately ask for such things as wisdom (James 1:5), holy spirit (Luke 11:13), forgiveness of sins (1 John 1:9; 2:1, 2) and God’s blessing upon our efforts (Psalm 90:17). There is also supplication. It refers to imploring Jehovah God earnestly, as in times of great stress or peril. Thus when Paul was imprisoned he asked that supplication be made for him. (Ephesians 6:18-20) These forms of prayer surely will help us to stand firm against Satan.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:41:46 +0000
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