A common phrase that parents will tell their unruly children is this: "I don't want to have to repeat myself." The idea here is that the parent is giving instruction or telling the child what they want, and they want the child to listen closely so that they don't need to be told multiple times. But if a parent does have to repeat themselves, it's usually because what they have to say is important. This relates to reading scripture in a significant way. Something that is repeated is usually repeated because it is important. A common teaching within hermeneutics, the study of how to interpret scripture, is to keep a close eye on any repetition of words or ideas you see within scripture. Repetition of a word or phrase usually denotes that the author was emphasizing a certain point or drawing the eyes of the reader to elevate a particular phrase or idea. In just the first verse of today's passage, the word "All" is repeated 3 times. Each time, there is a direct connection to prayer. Paul is drawing the reader to have a greater revelation of the power of prayer within the larger topic of spiritual warfare. Let's look at each of those three "Alls".

The first 'all' is found in the phrase 'on all occasions'. The idea here is that no matter the circumstance or occasion, prayer is always the right first response. Many people think of prayer only as a last resort or that prayer is only useful or needed under certain circumstances. But Paul urges Christians to think of prayer as part of everything. Also, notice that prayer is not part of the armor of God. The reason prayer is not a particular thing you should armor yourself with is that prayer should be connected to all the other parts of armor. Prayer supercharges the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, and even the sandals of the gospel of peace. Prayer is a part of each of these areas of Christian life and is not segregated as its own thing. The second "all" speaks of 'all kinds of prayers and requests'. We should pray prayers of thanksgiving, petitions, requests, pleas, humility, intercession, healing...etc. We don't have to view prayer as a narrow rehearsed line that is memorized and repeated as something to be checked off a list. We should also use every kind of prayer we can think of: Group prayer, individual prayer, silent prayer, shouting prayer, walking prayer, kneeling prayer, eloquent prayer, groaning prayer, constant prayer, and fervent prayer. The point here is to pray in a way that fits the situation and is genuine and authentic to what circumstance you find yourself in. The third "all" speaks of the fact that our prayers should be first and foremost "For all the Lord's people". This does not mean that we do not pray for our enemies, our governmental leaders, or for those unbelievers who have rejected God. This means that the main concern of our prayers should be our spiritual family. Before anything else, pray for the people of God whom you are a spiritual family with. Pray for guidance, wisdom, patience, favor, steadfastness, courage, the right words, and clarity in navigating the struggles of life. The amazing thing about this is that it is one thing to pray for others, but what a blessing it is to know that so many in your spiritual family are also praying for you in the same way. Paul was greatly encouraged in his circumstances, knowing that those in Ephesus and around the Roman Empire who were brothers and sisters in Christ were joining together in prayer for him. It must have been a great encourager of boldness and courage for Paul to know and be reminded that so many have gone before him in prayer. It can be said that it is through prayer that spiritual strength and the armor of God go to work. In theory, the prayerless Christian can be otherwise strong and wear all the armor; but never accomplish anything because he fails to go into battle through prayer. Often, we just don’t pray because we are simply overconfident in our own abilities. Winston Churchill said this to Britain in the early days of the Second World War: “I must drop one word of caution, for next to cowardice and treachery, overconfidence leading to neglect and slothfulness, is the worst of wartime crimes.” Remember the power of prayer and let it be your first response instead of a last resort. In this way, we reflect on Christ, who always took time to pray on all occasions, with all kinds of prayer, and for all of his people.