Explaining the words Paul uses in his great 'armour of God' exhortations to pray, words such as 'always - supplications - watching thereunto - perseverance' and particularly 'in the Spirit'. Here is what he does not mean, and what he does mean by this most rewardable term.

Paul's dependence on the prayers of believers comes first, especially for openness and plainness of speech - and this is what this should mean for today. Here also are the vital components of biblical ministry, and the stirring concept of an ambassador in bonds.

In the soldier image the sword of the Spirit represents the Gospel work of the church. Here is the penetrating, searching, persuasive power of the Gospel as proclaimed by the apostles. A church or believer not proclaiming salvation is a soldier without the sword.

Love for Christ includes love for His cause, shown by concerned prayer for Gospel work and for fellow believers. Paul here provides for news which will fuel prayer. Here also is defined the love which brings harmony, faith and special grace into a church.