July 03, 2026 | Be Connected
LAST WEEK BEFORE SUMMER HIATUS:
BE CONNECTED RESUMES AUGUST 3
Praying in the Spirit
Scripture: Ephesians 6:18-24(NIV)
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. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Final Greetings
21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.
23 Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Devotional
Prayer is one of the most important components of our walk with Jesus. In today’s scripture, Paul advises us to pray constantly in the Spirit. When I pray, I worry that my words aren’t eloquent enough, or that I fall into the trap of “rote recitations.” When I feel like my thoughts are a jumbled mess before God, I take heart: He isn’t looking for a polished performance; He is listening to my heart. Once filled with the Spirit, God gives us the necessary words even when we aren’t sure what they are. Even when I don’t have all the words, Paul’s advice in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “pray continually” (NIV) or “pray without ceasing” (NKJV). Talk with God regularly and the conversation becomes easier. Notice that I say conversation because listening is also a component of consistent prayer.
I have made it a habit for a couple of decades now to always pray during my commute to work. With radio off and phone silenced, the lack of outside distractions makes it easier for me to focus on God so I can praise, thank, ask forgiveness, raise up whatever and whomever is on my heart at that particular time, and listen. If I struggle with the words, I always find the Lord’s prayer as a good beginning place. Jesus says in Matthew 6:9-13, “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” Our Methodist traditions have deviated slightly from the NIV translation, but starting with these words, I believe, is a great way to begin a deliberate, consistent habit of regular prayer.
Through the years, I’ve heard people tell me that consistent prayer is difficult because some or even many prayers don’t seem to be answered. My favorite response to this lament comes from the late Charles Stanley, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta. He said (and I’m paraphrasing), “When we pray, God either gives us exactly what we ask for or something better. Too many times we fuss about not getting exactly what we asked for which causes us to miss out on the something better.” I love this.
On this eve of America’s 250th birthday, I am forever grateful to live in a place where I can pray freely. Are you struggling to start or maintain a consistent prayer life? What are the barriers? How can you begin to overcome them?
