Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
The “Alls” of Prayer
Today’s Devotion:
The “Alls” of Prayer
Paul concludes his description of the armor of God with a mention of prayer. The explanation for the addition of prayer lies in Greek grammar. “Praying” is a participle, not a verbal imperative command like “take the helmet” and “[take] the sword” (Ephesians 6:17). In Paul’s mind, praying was a means to accomplishing the previous instructions: Put on the armor while praying.
For Paul, prayer was akin to breathing—a natural activity of communication with God. Just as we don’t need to be commanded to breathe, we shouldn’t need to be commanded to pray. And yet Paul does, as a reminder, in 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.” Just as breathing is a continual exercise, so should prayer be: Pray all the time (“always”), with all prayer, with all perseverance, for all the saints—the four “alls” of prayer. Prayer is a critical component in being “strong in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:10). Coating our spiritual armor in prayer provides power and wisdom in spiritual battles.
How long can you live without breathing? And how long can you live fruitfully without praying?
Believing prayer takes its stand upon the faithfulness of God.
D. Edmond Hiebert
For Your Phone or Tablet
Official Mobile App and Lock Screens
Some 2,600 years ago, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a dream. In this dream, the king saw a five–part statue made of five different metals (see Daniel 2). Each section represented an empire, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon. Four of these empires have already risen and fallen in history—a clear fulfillment of Daniel's prophetic interpretation. The fifth and final empire indicates a future Europe—a ten nation coalition that will unite under the Antichrist's rule.
You can read about the King's dream and Daniel's interpretation in Daniel 2, but let's take a quick visual look at what you will find:
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King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon
Daniel's words to the king are clear. "You are this head of gold" (Daniel 2:37–38).
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Medo–Persian Empire
The Medo–Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC and remained in power for approximately two hundred years (Daniel 5:28).
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Grecian Empire
Greece's Empire succeeded the Medo–Persians (Daniel 8:21).
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Roman Empire
When the Grecian empire was conquered by Rome, all the lands and peoples of the previous kingdoms were assimilated into the Roman Empire through the strengths of the "iron legions of Rome" (Daniel 2:40).
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Future European Coalition
This empire has not yet risen. Daniel foretells a time when the Roman Empire—Europe—will consist of ten kingdoms or leaders. The future Roman Empire will be present on the earth when God sets up His earthly kingdom (Daniel 2:44).