#1506. Pray For Spirit-Inspired Words (30/4/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

Do we feel that we lack effectiveness? Prayer imparts the Spirit’s supernatural ability. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

Having taught that we are to ‘pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests… always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people’ (Ephesians 6:18), Paul now asks his readers to pray for him. Why does he do this?

1. Those who believe in prayer ask for prayer

One of the clearest indicators of our faith in God - and in the power of prayer—is our willingness to ask others to pray for us.

Paul, though an apostle, is not self-sufficient. He recognises his dependence on God and invites others into that dependence. Asking for prayer is not weakness; it is humility. It is an acknowledgment that effectiveness in ministry does not come from natural ability but from divine enablement.

I find it both striking and instructive that, although Paul could have simply prayed for these things himself, he deliberately asks others to pray for him. Do we do the same?

When we invite others to pray for us, we turn serving God into a shared, corporate calling rather than something individual—more than just “me and God.” It draws us into mutual dependence, deepens fellowship, and reminds us that we are part of Christ’s body, serving together under His grace.

2. Through prayer, the Holy Spirit gives us words

You might expect someone like Paul to feel completely confident in what to say. Yet he asks for prayer “that words may be given” to him.

Even with all his knowledge and experience, Paul knows that the right words at the right time come from the Spirit. This echoes the promise of Jesus:

God does not simply give us a message—He gives us the very words we need in the moment. As we pray, we position ourselves to receive Spirit-inspired speech: words that are timely, wise, gracious, and powerful.

3. Prayer fuels clarity

Notice what Paul specifically asks for: fearlessness and clarity.

• Fearlessness to speak when it would be easier to stay silent

• Clarity to communicate the gospel in a way that can be understood

Even the most gifted communicator needs courage and clarity - and both are supplied through prayer. When we pray, the Spirit strengthens our hearts and sharpens our words.

Prayer an acknowledgment that the ‘mystery of the gospel can only be truly understand and grasped by the revelation that the Spirit gives. 

In Colossians 4, we see that prayer enables us to communicate with clarity: 

Response

Do we feel that we lack effectiveness? Prayer is not a last resort—it is the source of the Spirit’s supernatural ability.

• Do we, like Paul, believe that the Spirit can give us the wisdom and words we need as we serve God?

• When sharing the gospel, do we focus on what we don’t know, or do we pray and expect the Spirit to give us what we need in the moment?

• Are we willing to humble ourselves and ask others to pray for us?

Let us be people who pray for Spirit-inspired words - trusting that as we open our mouths, God will faithfully fill them.

Community Group Study

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our new series entitled: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Our message was on the theme of, Pray In The Spirit. 

Please read Ephesians 6:18-20 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• The armour of God - What link is there between putting on the armour of God and prayer?

•  Pray in the Spirit - What are the various things that are meant by ‘Pray in the Spirit’?

• All kinds of prayer - What are the various kinds of prayer that the Spirit leads us into?

• Response - How do you think you’d like to grow in ‘praying in the Spirit’? 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• Prayer leads to power -  From our text, what do we learn about the need for prayer in mission? 

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• General prayer: From our study, or from personal needs, how do people want prayer?