Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 6:18

"with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints," — Ephesians 6:18 (ASV)

This verse effectively rounds off the preceding verses. It commands believers with their full armor on to “be alert” by praying. “On all occasions” suggests that they will be in constant prayer in preparation for the battle as well as in the engagement itself. But it is in the critical hour of encounter that such support is most required (cf. “the day of evil” in v.13). “In the Spirit” means in communion with the Spirit or in the power of the Spirit. “Prayers” represents the approach to God in general and “requests” a special form of such prayers (supplication). Every avenue of such praying is to be thoroughly explored.