"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" Ephesians 6:18 Paul warns us in the above scripture, but what is the big deal? Why praying always? I've got plenty of other things to think about. I can't be praying all the time! How can I be thinking about God when I am trying to figure out what things I have to be sure to get done today, whether my dentist bill is correct, what I'm going to fix for dinner, and what things I need to buy at the grocery store? Come on Paul! You've got to be kidding! Jesus called satan the "prince of this world." What does a prince do? He thinks a great deal of himself if he's like most princes. He has power over people. He has charge over people who carry out his commands. He expects to get his way. 1Peter 5:8-9 says: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." Satan can not change the salvation status of a Christian. However, many Christians are unconcerned about satan because they think he has no power over them. BIG MISTAKE! Satan is going to do everything in his power to prevent Christians from doing their "Christian thing." Have you ever noticed that brand new freshly-saved Christians many times start going through some major trials? Satan tries to convince them that being a Christian is not a good thing. He wants to pull them down before they have a chance to learn more about Jesus and before they have a chance to tell others about Jesus. He wants them to become discouraged and not grow in the Lord. Examine the lives of people who are strong Christians, especially the ones who are leaders in the body. Take a look at any strong Christian who is effective in bringing people closer to the Lord -- teachers, pastors, praise leaders, etc. Satan is very interested in pulling them down and putting them out of commission. He is going to throw temptations in their paths, pit other people against them, and do whatever he can to disable them from being effective for Christ. Satan has no control over the ultimate future of the Christian, but he does have a chance at the unsaved. He wants to prevent Christians from causing more people to hear the gospel. He finds out where your Achilles' Heel is and works on that. You probably won't recognize his work. He is very devious. As a matter of fact, 2 Corinthians 11:14 tells us: "And no marvel; for satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. " That is why Paul said we must pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watch with all perseverance and supplication for all Christians. We are in danger of being used and attacked by satan ! We must keep our minds in a state of prayer. By a state of prayer, I mean communication with God. Prayer is simply conversation with God. As Paul tells us in Hebrews13:5: "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." The Holy Spirit becomes a part of us when we become saved and that puts God continuously with us. If we are continuously aware that He is there then we will naturally have our minds on Him. With our minds on Him we will be in contact with Him. Throughout each day we can offer Him praise and worship Him. We can ask questions and listen for answers. When you have your mind on God you will become closer and closer to Him. You will begin seeking His advice on things. You will begin seeing things through His eyes. He will help you identify satan's tricks. He will help you to see when prayer is necessary for another Christian who is being attacked. He will even help you figure out what things you have to be sure to get done today, whether you dentist bill is correct, what you're going to fix for dinner, and what things you need to buy at the grocery store! Whose help would you rather have than God's? Think about it! Remember, Jesus defeated satan at the cross. The war has already been won! In this particular war, though, the battles rage on. Be alert and be ready. Satan knows you have the right to rebuke him in Jesus' name. He's hoping you don't know that! Keep your mind in a continuous state of prayer and be sure to wear your battle armor: "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" Ephesians 6:11-17 God is the High Commander. You need to stay in constant communication with Him. Keep your mind on Him. Make a conscious effort. Work on it until it becomes second nature and no long needs conscious effort. Your life will never be the same.