February 28 2026

Saturday February 28

The Variety of Prayer

Ephesians 6:18-20

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Today we are continuing our study of Ephesians 6:18–20. We are looking at the soldier on his knees—a Christian soldier who takes time to pray. As believers we are daily engaged in spiritual warfare. Interestingly, this morning I woke up to the news that America and Israel are now engaged in a war with Iran. Whether you take sides one way or the other about whether this should be happening is not the real issue. The issue for us as believers is that we pray.

In 1 Timothy 2:1 we read: “I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings, and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Then in verse 8 Paul goes on to write: “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”

My friend, we are constantly encouraged in Scripture to pray. That is why Paul says here in Ephesians 6:18, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” Today we want to talk about the variety of prayer.

Before I do that, let me ask you to pray specifically for my family—Jonathan and Heidi—and my grandchildren. They are in Jordan. They contacted us early, right after this conflict began, and even showed us video of missiles going overhead and interceptors striking those missiles that were headed toward Israel. They are scheduled to come home tomorrow morning, Sunday morning, but that is now uncertain. So please pray for Jonathan and his family, for their safety, and for the safety of all Americans who are in that part of the Middle East. I was able to Facetime with Jonathan and the grandchildren as they were on the roof of their apartment there in Amman Jordan for a few minutes early this morning our time. They said they would definitely appreciate all your prayers for their family and all their associates and friends there in the Middle East!

We know that as we pray, God answers prayer. Nothing is impossible with God. He has a divine purpose in everything that takes place. Our responsibility is to pray. We stand in prayer. We stand in the gap. As you look at this passage of Scripture, notice the variety of prayer: “praying always with all prayer and supplication.” Also in Philippians 4:6 we read: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to the Lord.”

Prayer has many forms. In these passages it is called prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. Then in 1 Timothy 2:1, which we just read, it speaks of supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks. We know that prayer includes confession, petitions, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise. Sometimes believers only ask for things when they pray. But prayer is much more than asking. When I was a brand-new Christian, I picked up a book by Dr. John R. Rice about prayer. The title was Prayer: Asking and Receiving. Certainly, prayer includes asking and receiving—but it is also thanksgiving. It is also praise. It is also interceding for others.

Job prayed for his friends in Job 42:10. With friends like Job had, he did not need enemies—just read the book of Job. Yet when he prayed for his friends, the Scripture says his captivity was turned. He was released. God was then able to bless him again in a wonderful and powerful way. Prayer may be public or private. It may be loud or silent. Often, as thoughts come to our minds, we can immediately take them to the Lord. He knows our thoughts from afar, and we can turn those thoughts into prayer.

Prayer can be planned or spontaneous. It might be while we are kneeling. It could be while we are standing, sitting, or walking. I practice prayer walking in my neighborhood regularly. It is a wonderful time to pray for my neighbors by name—those I have met—and to ask for God’s grace, mercy, help, and salvation to rest upon them if they need Christ.

My friend, prayer comes in many varieties and many forms. But the main thing is that we pray always with all prayer and supplications. May the Lord help us to do just that. And again, I ask you to pray for our family—Jonathan, Heidi, and the children—in the Middle East, along with all of our friends who are in that region. God bless you today. Jesus is coming soon. Keep looking up and continue in prayer.

God bless you, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day.