PRAYING THROUGH THE ARMOUR OF GOD – FOR PROTECTION & VICTORY

How to Pray Through the Armour of God

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the church of Ephesus about the armour of God. Many of us are familiar with the armour of God, but may often wonder what this really means, and how it is relevant for Christians in today’s world.

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the assaultes of the deuil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, and against the worldly gouernours, the princes of the darkenesse of this worlde, against spirituall wickednesses, which are in ye hie places.” (Ephesians 6:11-12 – Geneva Bible 1560).

This passage in Scripture alerts us to the reality of the enemy who schemes against us and attempts to cause destruction in our lives. The power of this passage is the significant reminder that we are not left unprotected. There is an armour of God that we can put on as we face battles and challenges. Truly, it is a visual of God’s love surrounding and protecting his children. Putting on the armour of God demonstrates our trust in God, his love for us, and his power over our lives. We can put on the armour of God each day by reciting in prayer this passage in Ephesians.

What Is the Armour of God?

The Apostle Paul spent a great amount of time in Ephesus and ministered to that church longer than anywhere else he travelled. It is in his letter to the Ephesians that we find the passage about the armour of God. “Therefore, put on the full armour 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” (Ephesians 6:13). Paul wrote in this letter about the spiritual battles we face as Christians. Scripture acknowledges the reality of demonic presence and forces. The Bible teaches that we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against the dark forces of this world. This passage in Ephesians affirms that God has not left us on our own. God equips us to resist the enemy and be protected in these circumstances. The analogies Paul uses match what a Roman soldier would have worn, which would have been easily understood by Paul’s original audience. Christians today can still envision the pieces of armour worn and how they protect and help us fight. The pieces of the armour of God include a belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword. The armour of God includes mostly defensive pieces, but the sword is the piece of the armour of God which we can use in offense. It is God’s word that we can use to fight false teachings and come against wickedness.

A Prayer to Put on the Belt of Truth:

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist” (Ephesians 6:14a).

Gracious and Mighty Lord, today I put on the full armour of God, so that I can withstand against the wicked plots of the enemy against me. I know I do not fight against flesh and blood, but against evil spiritual forces. I stand firm, planted in you, my Saviour. I put on the belt of truth around my waist. I affirm and believe in your truth alone, Lord, and will not fall into the trap of believing the lies of the world. Guide me in your truth, and to not lose sight of that. Help me to know your truth versus the deceitfulness of the enemy.

A Prayer to Put on the Breastplate of Righteousness:

“…with the breastplate of righteousness in place” (Ephesians 6:14b).

Lord, I put on the breastplate of righteousness. For I know that I have been forgiven and freed from death because of Jesus. I live in Christ as a new man/woman and pursue righteousness over sinfulness and the desires of my flesh. Help me walk in your ways of goodness, humility, and love, so that I live a life of righteousness that is pleasing to you and draws others to want to know more about you.

A Prayer for Feet Fitted with the Readiness from the Gospel of Peace:

“With your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15).

Lord, I pray that my feet would be fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. I step into that readiness and live out a firm foundation of peace in my relationship with You. You have empowered me to be a peacemaker. By Your might, help me to foster real peace everywhere I go in your name.

A Prayer to Take Up the Shield of Faith:

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16).

Lord, I take up the shield of faith. I will not doubt. I will not worry. I will trust you to be faithful to your promises, and that you will provide all that I need. This shield of faith will quench every fiery dart the enemy throws my way. I will not be shaken, rather, I will trust in you each day regardless of my circumstances.

A Prayer to Put on the Helmet of Salvation:

“Take the helmet of salvation” (Ephesians 6:17a).

Lord, I take and put on the helmet of salvation. My salvation in Christ is a gift. I believe with all my heart and mind that Jesus died for my sins and has saved me from death. I will not doubt my salvation; instead, I will believe in the redemptive work Jesus accomplished on the cross and rejoice in His resurrection because I serve a living God who rose again. Thank you for saving me and offering the gift of salvation to the whole world.

A Prayer to Take Up the Sword of the Spirit:

“[Take] the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17b).

Lord, I take the word of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Your word helps me know who you are, become aware of my sin, and to know your truth. I will use your word to fight against my enemies. Let your word be a lamp to my feet and allow it to purify my thoughts and intentions. I will read, learn, and live out what your word says so that I can share the Gospel and help others find their salvation in you.

BE ALERT AND AWARE

As followers of Jesus, we can pray every day to put on the armour of God. It is what protects us and equips us to fight back against the schemes of the enemy. Paul concludes his armour of God discourse with a reminder to pray often, be alert to attacks, and pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18).

When we are equipped with the armour of God, we can battle through prayer and by declaring Scripture over ourselves, our lives, and on behalf of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. The Lord fights our battles and gives us protection from the enemy who tries to tempt and destroy the faith of believers. We are to be alert and aware of spiritual warfare taking place, and to be diligent in prayer as a way to fight these spiritual battles.

God’s love for his children is overwhelming in that he is always with us and gives us exactly what we need for every circumstance so that we will not be overcome by evil when we have put our hope and trust in him.