Once I did this study did I realize how important the spiritual armor was to prayer. I realized that Paul doesn't stop with just the armor, he goes on to give us our battle orders, "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18 NKJV).
The first thing that we need to do once we have our armor is to pray always. No that doesn't mean we have to be on our knees with our head bowed and eyes closed 24/7. We just need to have an attitude of prayer. When something comes up prayer should be our first go to instead of panic our fear. Many times when I'm writing and get stuck on what to say, I'll ask God to tell me what to say. He has always come through every time.
So what is the difference between prayer and supplication? Let's look at the definitions first.
PRAYER
Proseuche - an act of worship, pray earnestly
SUPPLICATION
Deesis - petition, request, prayer
There are to different Greek words used here. Proseuche In which we see that prayer is a an act of worship. Deesis is making a request, petition to God. It is as if we have a decorate need and are going to take it to the King. Like Esther did when she exposed Haman or Hannah did when she went to the temple to pray for a child. We are to be walking in the Spirit. There is no certain posture or words that we have to say. We know we are walking in the Spirit when we are doing God's will.
We are to be watchful till the end. This is Paul putting us under an enemy warning. The best way to describe it looking at it like this. Right now I'm under a tornado watch. I am aware that the weather can turn bad at anytime but not overly concerned at that moment. Should I get a tornado warning later today my whole operating mode changes. First I puton my shoes. Next I getthings ready making sure that our safe area has what we need in it. I become ever watchful of the clouds outside and the tv is on the local news as they track the storm. This latest mode is what we are to be in. We have our armor on and we are on constant watching for signs of enemy attack. Not just waiting unprepared.
Our last order is to make supplications for each other. There is strength in numbers. When we know someone is going through a tough time, we need to rally support for them in prayer. An example is found in Acts when Peter was in prison. The church gathered together praying for him. God heard their prayers and sent an angel to break Peter out of prison. Like and soldiers we need to have our fellow sisters and brothers in Christ backs.