How this word affects our interpretation:
1. It is not an additional piece of armor- It doesn't fit with the way Paul had previously described the armor. If it was a piece of it, he would have labeled it as such.
2. It is not an elaboration of the “sword of the Spirit”- you use the sword of the Spirit by praying in the Spirit- this seems artificial
So, what is the connection? What is the connection between standing firm, the armor of God, and prayer? The one word, dia - through, by the means of - means that the armor of God cannot be put on, and standing firm cannot be done, without prayer. Prayer is the means of putting on the armor and standing firm. The armor that has been provided for us by God cannot be used except in fellowship and communion with God.
The armor can never be thought of mechanically or magically. This armor is provided for us, but it becomes a living reality for the believer in the place of prayer. We are in danger if we think that just because we have it, we will stand victorious. The spiritual application of this armor must always be thought of in a vital and living manner. Every single piece of armor, excellent as it is, will not do us any good unless we are always and at all times in a living relationship with God, and receiving strength and power through Him. Notice it is the armor of God- it is His armor- it is eternal and impenetrable and can only be found in living communion with Him.
You see, believing the truth; knowing the truth, is not enough. Dry orthodoxy or mere philosophy is not enough to fight the devil. You can’t fight him with a mere ideal. As powerful as the truth is, you cannot fight the devil with it in your own power. So, a mere knowledge of the truth will not enable us to stand firm. In essence, if you are not praying, then you are losing spiritually. In fact, this verse is a re-emphasis of what Paul said in vs 10. f we do not remain in communion with God, whatever we may have done in putting on the armor will avail nothing.
Therefore seeing that prayer is the means of putting on the armor that Paul gives us, we will now examine what he says about prayer in these few verses
1. Types of prayer:
Prayer- general word that can embrace confession, adoration, thanksgiving, intercession, professions, etc.
Supplication- specific request for specific benefits. This means that we should become very familiar with what is going on in others' lives, the church, and the world. It is getting outside ourselves and also praying with purpose.
2. The “when” of prayer: all times- This means there is never a season of circumstance in which we should neglect prayer.
3. The realm of prayer: In the Spirit- We pray with His help and in harmony with His will as revealed in the word.
4. The attitude of prayer: Alert- watchful. Don’t be indifferent or lazy in your prayer life. The term condemns any lack of concern and is meant to spur us on and keep us persevering.
5. The object of prayer:
The saints - In this day and age, we lose sight of the fact that the church is people, not a program or organization or methodology or a building. When you pray for the church, you are praying for people. The trend of today is to lose sight of the person, the individual or groups who make up the church. Sometimes the person is lost in the workings or the plans of the organization. God’s plan is people, and it is to make much of people to bring Him glory. Men are God’s method - He uses people, He anoints people, and He works through people. You see, a lot of churches are looking for better methods, but God is looking for better people. God is looking for people who will pray for others. Also, if you want to see God use you, and if you want to see God move in other people’s lives, pray for all the saints. What the church needs today is not better organization, not better methods, but people of prayer. The Holy Spirit does not flow through methods, but people.
The preachers- The character and the fortunes of the gospel are committed to the preacher, so he, more than any person on earth, needs prayer. The preacher either makes or mars the message from God to people. The preacher is the golden pipe through which the divine oil flows. Preachers need prayer, for their communication and for their life. As Robert Murray McCheyne said to preachers, “Study universal holiness of life. Your whole usefulness depends on this, for your sermons last only an hour or two, but your life preaches all week.” This is because preaching is not the performance of an hour, but an outflow of life.