Jesus must become Lord over every thought and action. So intense is this spiritual warfare that we dare not attempt it in our own strength. Victory depends on the Lord’s strength. We wear the full armor of God, leaving no space for Satan to find a target. That armor includes truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, being prepared to tell the Gospel, and “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:13-17). Paul then adds,
… 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, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak (Ephesians 6:10-20).
Prayer is powerful. Right now, Jesus is at the Father’s side as our representative or advocate (1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 2:1). While Jesus mediates, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf, turning our sincere but weak prayers into effective heavenly communications (Romans 8:26-27). Therefore, Ephesians tells us to pray “in the Spirit” and assures us that through Christ “we … have access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18).