Praying in The Spirit ― A Sermon from Ephesians

A sermon by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Ephesians 6:18 https://www.mljtrust.org/sermons/spir...
"praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints..."

Sermon Description
Who can talk to God? Who can boldly enter His presence and communicate with Him in prayer? In this sermon on praying in the Spirit from Ephesians 6:18, Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones guides the listener through this careful study of how Christians are to pray. The blood of Jesus, His death, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ gives His people unhindered access to the Father. But that open access to God in prayer is not an invitation to be casual, flippant, or fill prayers with meaningless repetition. Christians need the Holy Spirit's guidance to teach them how to pray. The spiritual battles of life, the weakness of the flesh, and the need for intercession requires careful attention to one’s communication with their king. Prayer that glorifies God and maximizes the spiritual life is prayer that is filled with reverence and respect for the Father who loves and is always ready to hear the voice of His children.

Sermon Breakdown
The sermon focuses on Ephesians 6:18 which exhorts Christians to "pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit."
The sermon begins by providing context about spiritual warfare and the armor of God. Prayer is essential in addition to the armor.
The sermon asks the question: How are we to pray? It aims to provide guidance on how to pray in the Spirit.
Praying in the Spirit is not determined by:
A particular place (e.g. a specific building)
A particular time (e.g. out of duty or habit)
Forms (e.g. vain repetitions or going through the motions)
Frantic pleading in times of crisis
Praying in the Spirit means:
Being led and guided by the Holy Spirit
Realizing God is Spirit and worshipping Him as such
Realizing we can only come to God through Jesus
Having boldness and assurance of faith
Addressing God as "Abba, Father"
Realizing the presence of God
Being a living, vital, free, and warm prayer
Being thoughtful, directed, and orderly
Being according to God's will and mind
Being full of faith and expectation
Questions about methods and times of prayer will be resolved if we pray in the Spirit. But some guidance:
Pray always, without ceasing, on all occasions
Pray specially at certain times, like in times of crisis
All types of prayer are legitimate (kneeling, standing, contemplative, etc.) as long as in the Spirit
Pray for all types of things and people (yourself, church, leaders, etc.)
We must pray in the Spirit to stand against the devil and see the church stand. We must put on the whole armor of God, using prayer.