Ephesians 6:18
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

English Standard Version
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Berean Standard Bible
Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.

Berean Literal Bible
through all prayer and supplication, praying in the Spirit in every season and unto this very thing, watching with all perseverance and supplication for all saints,

King James Bible
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

New King James Version
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

New American Standard Bible
With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints,

NASB 1995
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

NASB 1977
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

Legacy Standard Bible
praying at all times with all prayer and petition in the Spirit, and to this end, being on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

Amplified Bible
With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.

Christian Standard Bible
Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

American Standard Version
with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,

Contemporary English Version
Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people.

English Revised Version
with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Pray in the Spirit?your[ spirit."> in every situation. Use every kind of prayer and request there is. For the same reason be alert. Use every kind of effort and make every kind of request for all of God's people.]

Good News Translation
Do all this in prayer, asking for God's help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God's people.

International Standard Version
Pray in the Spirit at all times with every kind of prayer and request. Likewise, be alert with your most diligent efforts and pray for all the saints.

Majority Standard Bible
Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.

NET Bible
With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and requests for all the saints.

New Heart English Bible
with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints:

Webster's Bible Translation
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching for this purpose with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Weymouth New Testament
Pray with unceasing prayer and entreaty on every fitting occasion in the Spirit, and be always on the alert to seize opportunities for doing so, with unwearied persistence and entreaty on behalf of all God's people,

World English Bible
with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
through all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the Spirit, and in this, watching in all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones—

Berean Literal Bible
through all prayer and supplication, praying in the Spirit in every season and unto this very thing, watching with all perseverance and supplication for all saints,

Young's Literal Translation
through all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the Spirit, and in regard to this same, watching in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints --

Smith's Literal Translation
By all prayer and supplication praying in all time in Spirit, and for this same watching vigilantly in all perseverance and supplication for the holy:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
By all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the spirit; and in the same watching with all instance and supplication for all the saints:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Through every kind of prayer and supplication, pray at all times in spirit, and so be vigilant with every kind of earnest supplication, for all the saints,

New American Bible
With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones

New Revised Standard Version
Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And pray always, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and in that prayer be watchful at all times, praying constantly and supplicating for all the saints,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Pray with all prayers and with all desires always in The Spirit and be watching with him in prayer every moment as you pray constantly and make supplication for the sake of all The Holy Ones,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
praying with all prayer and supplication, at all times, in the Spirit; and to this end being watchful in all perseverance, and supplication for all the saints:

Godbey New Testament
praying with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit in every place, and watching unto this same thing in all perseverance and prayer for all the saints,

Haweis New Testament
praying at every opportunity with all prayer and supplication in Spirit, and watching for this very purpose with perseverance and intercession for all the saints;

Mace New Testament
Pour out your souls unto God upon all occasions, watching in prayer with all perseverance and supplication for all christians:

Weymouth New Testament
Pray with unceasing prayer and entreaty on every fitting occasion in the Spirit, and be always on the alert to seize opportunities for doing so, with unwearied persistence and entreaty on behalf of all God's people,

Worrell New Testament
with all prayer and supplication praying at every opportunity in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints;

Worsley New Testament
praying at all seasons with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, and intercession for all the saints;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Armor of God
17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. 19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel,…

Cross References
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

1 Timothy 2:1
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.

Luke 18:1
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart:

Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

1 Peter 4:7
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.

Jude 1:20
But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,

Acts 1:14
With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

1 Corinthians 14:15
What then shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Psalm 145:18
The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth.

Jeremiah 29:12
Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.


Treasury of Scripture

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Praying.

Ephesians 1:16
Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

Job 27:10
Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?

Psalm 4:1
To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

supplication.

1 Kings 8:52,54,59
That thine eyes may be open unto the supplication of thy servant, and unto the supplication of thy people Israel, to hearken unto them in all that they call for unto thee…

1 Kings 9:3
And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

Esther 4:8
Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.

in the.

Ephesians 2:22
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Zechariah 12:10
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

Romans 8:15,26,27
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father…

watching.

Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Mark 13:33
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Mark 14:38
Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

all perseverance.

Genesis 32:24-28
And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day…

Matthew 15:25-28
Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me…

Luke 11:5-8
And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; …

Jump to Previous
Alert Always Deep Desires End Entreaty Fitting God's Keeping Kinds Making Mind Occasion Occasions Opportunities Perseverance Persistence Prayer Prayers Praying Purpose Regard Requests Saints Seize Spirit Strong Supplication Thereunto Times Unceasing Unwearied Watch Watchful Watching
Jump to Next
Alert Always Deep Desires End Entreaty Fitting God's Keeping Kinds Making Mind Occasion Occasions Opportunities Perseverance Persistence Prayer Prayers Praying Purpose Regard Requests Saints Seize Spirit Strong Supplication Thereunto Times Unceasing Unwearied Watch Watchful Watching
Ephesians 6
1. The duty of children toward their parents;
5. of servants toward their masters.
10. Our life is a warfare, not only against flesh and blood, but also spiritual enemies.
13. The complete armor of a Christian;
18. and how it ought to be used.
21. Tychicus is commended.














Pray in the Spirit at all times
This phrase emphasizes the importance of prayer being guided by the Holy Spirit. In the biblical context, praying in the Spirit means aligning one's prayers with the will and guidance of the Holy Spirit, as seen in Romans 8:26-27, where the Spirit intercedes for believers. The early church, as described in Acts, often relied on the Spirit for direction and empowerment. This continuous prayer reflects a life of constant communion with God, akin to 1 Thessalonians 5:17, which encourages believers to "pray without ceasing."

With every kind of prayer and petition
This part of the verse highlights the variety and depth of prayer. It includes adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. The use of "every kind" suggests that prayer should be comprehensive, covering all aspects of life and needs. Philippians 4:6 echoes this by urging believers to present their requests to God in every situation. Historically, Jewish prayer practices included various forms, such as the Shema and the Amidah, which were integral to daily life.

To this end, stay alert
Staying alert in prayer implies vigilance and watchfulness, akin to Jesus' instruction to His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:41). This vigilance is necessary to recognize spiritual battles and the needs of others. The cultural context of the early church involved constant threats and persecution, requiring believers to be spiritually awake and discerning.

With all perseverance
Perseverance in prayer is a call to steadfastness and endurance, even when answers are delayed or challenges arise. This echoes the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8, where Jesus teaches the importance of persistent prayer. The historical context of Ephesians, written during Paul's imprisonment, underscores the need for perseverance amidst trials.

In your prayers for all the saints
This phrase emphasizes intercessory prayer for fellow believers. The term "saints" refers to all Christians, highlighting the communal aspect of faith. Intercession is a key theme throughout Scripture, as seen in the prayers of Moses, Daniel, and Jesus Himself (John 17). The early church's practice of praying for one another, as seen in Acts 12:5, reflects the unity and mutual support within the body of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Ephesians, writing to encourage and instruct the early Christian church in Ephesus.

2. Ephesus
A major city in Asia Minor, known for its diverse culture and the Temple of Artemis. It was a significant center for early Christianity.

3. The Saints
Refers to the believers in Ephesus and, by extension, all Christians who are called to live holy lives.

4. The Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, who empowers believers to pray and live according to God's will.

5. The Church
The body of believers who are called to support one another through prayer and spiritual vigilance.
Teaching Points
Praying in the Spirit
Emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering our prayers. The Greek word (pneumati) indicates praying under the influence and guidance of the Spirit.

All Kinds of Prayer
Encourage the use of various forms of prayer, including adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication, as indicated by the Greek word (proseuch?) for prayer and (de?sei) for petition.

Perseverance in Prayer
Highlight the importance of persistence and vigilance in prayer, as the Greek word (agrupnountes) suggests staying alert and watchful.

Intercession for the Saints
Stress the communal aspect of prayer, urging believers to intercede for one another, fostering unity and support within the body of Christ.

Spiritual Warfare Context
Connect the verse to the broader context of Ephesians 6, which discusses the armor of God, underscoring prayer as a vital component of spiritual warfare.(18, 19) And supplication for all saints; and for me.--It is curious, and probably not accidental, that the prepositions in these two clauses are different. The first is properly "touching all saints," and the second "on behalf of me." Both are often interchanged; but there is, perhaps, here a touch of greater earnestness in the request of their prayers for himself, in especial reference to the need which is spoken of in the next words.

Verse 18. - With all prayer and supplication praying. The metaphor of armor is now dropped, but not the idea of the conflict, for what is now insisted on is of the most vital importance for successful warfare. Though prayer is virtually comprehended in most of the previous exhortations, it is now specifically enjoined, and in a great variety of ways; "all prayer and supplication," equivalent to every form of it, e.g., ejaculatory, secret, spoken, domestic, social, congregational. At all seasons. No period of life should be without it - youth, middle life, old age, all demand it; no condition of life - adversity, prosperity, sunshine, desolation, under sore temptation, under important duty, under heavy trial, under all the changing circumstances of life, personal, social, Christian. See the hymn-

"Go, when the morning shineth;
Go, when the noon is bright;
Go, when the day declineth;
Go, in the hush of night."
In the Spirit; for true prayer is spiritual, and it is not true prayer unless by the Holy Spirit the heart is filled with heavenward longings and aspirations, changing our prayer from cold form to heartfelt realities. The ordinary habit of the soul should be prayerful, realizing the presence of God and looking for his grace and guidance. And watching thereunto; that is, "towards" spirituality, against formality, as also against forgetfulness and neglect of prayer. Perhaps also the idea of watching for the answer is involved, as you wait for an answer when you have dispatched a letter. In all perseverance; this being very specially needed to make prayer triumphant, as in the case of the Syro-phoenician mother, or in that of Monica, mother of Augustine, and many more. And prayer for all saints; this being one of the great objects for which saints are gathered into the "one body" the Church, that they may be upheld and carried on, in warfare and in work, by mutual prayer, kept from slips and infirmities, and from deadly sins, and enabled one and all to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they are called."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Pray
προσευχόμενοι (proseuchomenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4336: To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] Spirit
Πνεύματι (Pneumati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

at
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

all
παντὶ (panti)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

times,
καιρῷ (kairō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2540: Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.

with
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

every kind of
πάσης (pasēs)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

prayer
προσευχῆς (proseuchēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4335: From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

petition.
δεήσεως (deēseōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1162: Supplication, prayer, entreaty. From deomai; a petition.

To
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

this [end],
αὐτὸ (auto)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Neuter 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

stay alert
ἀγρυπνοῦντες (agrypnountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 69: Ultimately from a and hupnos; to be sleepless, i.e. Keep awake.

with
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

all
πάσῃ (pasē)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

perseverance
προσκαρτερήσει (proskarterēsei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4343: Perseverance. From proskartereo; persistancy.

in your prayers
δεήσει (deēsei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1162: Supplication, prayer, entreaty. From deomai; a petition.

for
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

all
πάντων (pantōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

saints.
ἁγίων (hagiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.


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NT Letters: Ephesians 6:18 With all prayer and requests praying at (Ephes. Eph. Ep)
Ephesians 6:17
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