Note 20 at Eph. 6:18: In Verse 18, Paul is speaking of the last piece of the Christian's armor, which is prayer. The phrase "all prayer" means various kinds of prayer in the Spirit. Prayer is more than just asking. For example, there is a prayer of praise, a prayer of intercession, a prayer of thanksgiving, a prayer of agreement, a prayer of dedication. It is inappropriate to ask for something more than once, but we can and should continue to pray with these other forms of prayer until we see our answer manifest in the flesh. Prayer is another form of absolute dependence and reliance upon God for His divine intervention.

Note 21 at Eph. 6:18: The word "supplication" used in this verse is the Greek noun DEEIS and is translated "prayer" 12 times (Lk. 1:13; 2:37; 5:33; Rom. 10:1; 2 Cor. 1:11 9:14; Phil. 1:4; 1:19; 2 Tim. 1:3; Heb. 5:7; Jas. 5:16; 1 Pet. 3:12), "supplication" 6 times (Acts 1:14; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1; 5:5), and "request" 1 time (Phil. 1:4). This word emphasizes a specific need and the entreaty to God for that need. Many times this takes the form of intercession for the saints (v.18).

Note 22 at Eph. 6:18: "In the Spirit" means prayer directed by God's Spirit and in accordance with God's will (1 Jn. 5:14-15). Paul used this terminology when referring to praying in tongues (1 Cor. 14:2, 15; Jude 20; see note 20 at 1 Cor. 14:15, p. 946). Therefore, this includes praying in tongues (see note 13 at Mk. 16:17, p. 566).

Note 23 at Eph. 6:18: The Greek word for "perseverance" is PROSKARTERESIS and is used only one time in the New Testament, which is in this verse. This word carries the idea of "being on the alert" as you wear the Christian armor.