How to Pray the Armor of God
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:10-17, NIV
Over the last seven weeks we’ve looked at the Armor of God found in Ephesians 6. Jesus shared with His disciples, and with us, that in this world we will face trials (John 16:33). But He went onto say, “Take heart, I have overcome the world.”
Look at the world around us. Now, more than ever, believers in Jesus Christ are engaged in a spiritual battle. The enemy will use many tactics to defeat us and we need to be ready. We need a self-defense strategy to fight. Paul provided believers with a great self-defense course in Ephesians 6 and Jesus equips us with all six dimensions of our “spiritual armor.” Jesus is our truth, our righteousness, our peace. He is the object of our faith, the source of our salvation and the living Word of God. When we put on the armor of God, we are protected by the only person Satan has never and will never defeat – JESUS.
In Jesus we have VICTORY.
It’s important to get ready for battle every day by putting on your armor of God.
Here’s a suggestion on how to pray on the Armor of God.
From Ephesians 6:10-18
Prayer: Father, help us to prepare for any battle we may face. Help us to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. As we go through today, help us to stand strong and not live in fear of the enemy.
Please Lord, equip me today with the armor of God.
I put on the belt of truth (verse 14).
May Your truth rule in my heard, my mind, and through my words today.
I put on the breastplate of righteousness (verse 14).
Apart from You, Jesus, there is no righteousness. Through Jesus I have been “born again” and made righteous in Your sight. Help me to live as a righteous person.
I put on the shoes of peace (verse 15) and pray that they will be firmly grounded in the good news of what Jesus did on the cross.
Lord, help me to reflect the Gospel in my words and in my actions, that through me, I may shine Jesus’ light and others may be drawn to know You.
I take up the shield of Faith (verse 16) for any fiery darts that may come my way. Thank You that in Jesus, we have the victory. No matter what tactics the enemy may throw at us, God has everything under control.
I put on the helmet of salvation (verse 17)
Lord, protect my mind and remind me that nothing can separate me from Your love. I’ve been saved by grace through faith.
I take up the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (verse 17).
Lord, as I open Your Word – let Your Holy Spirit open my eyes to see new things about You and open my mind and heart as You lead me. May I be “filled with the Spirit” and ready with Scriptures. Help me to memorize Your Word and keep it safe in my heart.
Finally, Lord, remind me to pray in the Spirit on all occasions (verse 18).
Help me to always be in constant communication with you. Cause me to be alert, to be joyful and give thanks in everything. In Jesus’ mighty name – Amen.
We certainly hope this series on the armor of God has been a blessing and encouragement to you. May God strengthen you today. He IS faithful and you are loved. I’m praying for you!
Christine Batchelder