Ephesians 6:18 shows that strong fathers don’t just wear God’s armor; they depend on Him through prayer. Let’s unpack what a dad’s prayer life should look like based on this verse.

#1 Pray, don’t panic. “…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Paul says God’s armor isn’t something we just put on. It’s not robotic or unintentional. It’s total dependence on Him. “Praying at all times” doesn’t mean we only call out in a crisis or whenever we want something. No, we pray consistently and nonstop.

You pray before making decisions, correcting your kids, or facing difficult conversations. Scripture and prayer work together. Paul says to pray “in the Spirit.” You don’t know the Spirit without knowing His Word. Scripture is the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17).

#2 Stay prayerfully awake. “[K]eep alert with all perseverance…” Paul gives us a picture of a soldier standing on guard all night, alert and ready. Jesus gave the same command, “Watch and pray…” (Matt. 26:41). Spiritual battles are lost long before the crisis because we drift into distraction or discouragement.

Staying alert means staying in God’s Word and praying, even when we feel exhausted. Don’t fall asleep! Keep alert. We are weak, but God is strong. As you focus on God and His Word, He will give you strength.

#3 Pray for others, not just yourself. “[M]aking supplication for all the saints…” Prayer isn’t just for ourselves; it’s meant to strengthen other believers. Notice that Paul uses the word “all” four times in this verse, calling us to pray for all kinds of needs, at all times, for all God’s people with all perseverance.

Faithfully pray for your wife, your kids, your church, and your brothers in Christ. Be the man who prays at all times, in all seasons, and for what God wants.

7 Christian Morning Prayers for Your Family: Before the noise starts, there is a window. Here are seven morning prayers worth saying in it.

No Limbs, No Limits – The NickV Story: Nick Vujicic was born without arms or legs. He has since reached hundreds of millions of people with a message of hope. This week he joined me to talk about what it looks like to be a dad.

“When we don’t pray, we quit the fight.

Prayer keeps the Christian’s armor bright.

And Satan trembles when he sees.

The weakest saint upon his knees.”

—William Cowper

Don’t wait for a crisis to start being a praying dad. Build the habit now. Before you get out of bed, ask God to guard your heart, strengthen your family, and help you notice where your kids need help. Then look for one opportunity each day to give hope, truth, and encouragement.

Take some time to think about how praying instead of worrying might change things for you as you lead your family.

The godly dad isn’t the one who fights alone. He is the one who understands he must depend on God.

Kent Evans
Executive Director at Manhood Journey

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.