Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

The reading for today titled Pray and Watch was written by Marvin Williams.

When fighting spiritual battles, believers in Jesus should take prayer seriously.

A Florida woman found out how dangerous it can be, however, to practice it unwisely.

When she prayed, she closed her eyes.

But while driving one day and praying, with eyes shut, she failed to stop at a stop sign,

flew through an intersection, and went off-road

into a homeowner's yard. She then tried unsuccessfully to back off the lawn. Though not

injured, she was given a police citation for reckless driving and property damage. This prayer

warrior missed a key part of Ephesion 618.

Be alert.

As part of the whole armor of God in Ephesion 6, the Apostle Paul includes two final pieces.

First, we should fight spiritual battles with prayer.

This means praying in the spirit, relying on his

power. Also, resting in his guidance and responding to his promptings, praying all kinds of prayers

on all occasions. Second, Paul encouraged us to be alert. Spiritual alertness can aid us in being prepared for Jesus's

return, gaining victory over temptation, and interceding for other believers. As we fight spiritual

battles daily, let's permeate our lives with a prey and watch approach, combating evil powers

and piercing the darkness with the light of Christ.

Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from Ephesians chapter 6 verses 10 through 20.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

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