EPHESIANS 6:10-20 (NKJV–Bible Gateway)
(Using the Whole Armor of God in Prayer)
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In the first part of Ephesians 6, Paul gives guidelines for leading a good and acceptable life in line with God’s precepts—no matter what our earthly circumstances may be. Then, in verses 10-20, he rounds off his letter by explaining HOW that can be accomplished. He also explains that in addition to using the armor of God for ourselves, we can (and should) pray for others (intercede) to be clothed in the same armor, for the same purpose.
The following prayer makes use of those concepts, to be used in one-on-one prayer (conversation) time with the Lord Jesus Christ. It would make a great start for every day of every year!
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Lord, I ask you, today, to help me to walk in the strength and mighty power that you have given us through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, and by the grace and faith you have instilled in us as we have believed.
I stand before you, remembering to put on your armor, so that I can face and defeat all of the wiliness, sneakiness, and lies of the devil. I recognize that I’m not supposed to wrestle against flesh and blood, but I AM supposed to wrestle against the rulers of darkness (that are clearly operating in this time), and against spiritual carriers of wickedness that come from the realm of darkness.
As I put on your armor in preparation for this day, I remember that my belt of protection is the TRUTH of the Gospel of the Kingdom. I understand that my breastplate is your RIGHTEOUSNESS. I know that my feet are encased in the Gospel of PEACE. I am remembering to pick up and carry the shield of FAITH, so that I will be able to put out all the fiery darts that will come at me, today, from the wicked one. The helmet of SALVATION has already been applied to my life, and I take the time to recognize it. Finally, I arm myself with the the WORD of God—your own mighty weapon, strengthened in me by Holy Spirit, who continually lives in me.
I know that by using your full armor, as I spend time talking with you and discussing not only my needs, but the needs of others around me, you have already set yourself to make sure that we are safe and cared for, but also that we learn more and more about the mysteries contained in your Word.
As that happens, I am confident, Lord, that you will help me know exactly when to open my mouth boldly to share those mysteries with others around me, wherever I go, every day, because I understand that you want me to do that. When I share with others, I believe that you will give them the understanding that they are to do the same. By this process, every day, more and more people will see and understand your presence and your message.
Thank you, Father, and Amen!