We do a great job protecting our home with locks or security systems. We safeguard our cars in a locked garage. When we encounter cold weather, we insulate ourselves with layers of clothing to keep us warm. When it comes to protecting ourselves and assets, we’re pros. It’s the most natural thing we do. But how careful are we about protecting ourselves spiritually? I want to share my favorite prayer of protection. If you keep a prayer guide, I hope you will find some Scriptural gems in today’s post to enhance your prayer life.
Pray on the Full Spiritual Armor of God – Eph 6:10-17
How seriously do you take spiritual warfare? I believe the devil is alive and well! Paul describes our battle this way (v.10-12): “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so 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.” This is a command.
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Satan is a strong enemy, and we need the power of God to be able to stand against him. Never underestimate the power of the devil. He is not compared to a lion and a dragon just for fun! The Book of Job tells what his power can do to a man’s body, home, wealth, and friends. Jesus calls Satan a thief who comes “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). Not only is Satan strong, but he is also wise and subtle, and we fight against “the wiles of the devil.” The Christian cannot afford to be “unaware of his schemes” (2 Cor. 2:11). He masquerades as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14) and seeks to blind men’s minds to the truth of God’s Word.
God has provided the “whole armor” for us, and we dare not omit any part. Satan looks for that unguarded area where he can get a beachhead (Eph. 4:27). Paul commands us to put on the armor, take the weapons, and withstand Satan, which we do by faith. But what are the pieces of the armor? Paul, the author of Ephesians, describes them:
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“Stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around your waist” (v.14a) – Satan is a liar (John 8:44), but a man of integrity, with a clear conscience, can face the enemy without fear.
“Stand firm with the breastplate of righteousness in place” (v.14b) – This piece of armor, made of metal plates or chains, covered the body from the neck to the waist, both front and back. It symbolizes the believer’s righteousness in Christ (2 Cor. 5:21) as well as his righteous life in Christ (Eph. 4:24). Satan is the accuser, but he cannot accuse the believer who is living a godly life in the power of the Spirit.
“Stand firm with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (v.15) – If we are going to “stand” and “withstand,” then we need the shoes of the Gospel. Because we have the peace with God (Rom. 5:1) that comes from the Gospel, we need not fear the attack of Satan or men. We must prepare each day to share the Gospel of peace with a lost world.
“In addition, take up your shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (v.16) – The shield was large, usually about four feet by two feet, made of wood, and covered with tough leather. As the soldier held it before him, it protected him from spears, arrows, and “fiery darts.” Satan shoots “fiery darts” at our hearts and minds: lies, blasphemous thoughts, critical thoughts about others, doubts, and burning desires for sin. Faith is our defensive weapon to quench the fiery darts.
“Take the helmet of salvation.” (v.17a) – Satan wants to attack the mind, the way he defeated Eve (Gen. 3; 2 Cor. 11:1–3). The helmet refers to the mind controlled by God. When God controls the mind, Satan cannot lead the believer astray.
“Take the the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (v.17b) – The sword is the offensive weapon God provides us. A material sword pierces the body, but the Word of God pierces the heart. The more we use a physical sword, the duller it becomes; but using God’s Word only makes it sharper in our lives. A physical sword requires the hand of a soldier, but the sword of the Spirit has its own power. It is “living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword” (Heb. 4:12). The Spirit wrote the Word, and the Spirit wields the Word as we take it by faith and use it.
Now that you have a better understanding of the armor, turn it into a daily prayer. Feel free to change this to fit how you feel the Spirit is leading you. Here is a simple prayer to protect ourselves by praying on the full armor every day found below (v.14-17):
Lord, thank you for providing us the armor we need to defeat the Enemy. I now put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit, and the feet fitted with the Gospel of Peace.
As Warren Wiersbe puts it, the “whole armor of God” is a picture of Jesus Christ. Christ is the Truth (John 14:6), and He is our righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21) and our peace (Eph. 2:14). His faithfulness makes possible our faith (Gal. 2:20); He is our salvation (Luke 2:30); and He is the Word of God (John 1:1, 14). This means that when we trusted Christ, we received the armor. Paul told the Romans what to do with the armor (Rom. 13:11–14): wake up (Rom. 13:11), cast off sin, and “put on the armor of light” (Rom. 13:12). We do this by “putting on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 13:14). By faith, put on the armor and trust God for the victory. Once and for all, we have put on the armor at the moment of salvation.¹
If we take God at His word and understand the reality of spiritual warfare, then we will “put on the full armor of God” without fail. It’s time to protect yourself! Are there other Scripture passages you like to pray for protection? Your thoughts are always welcomed by clicking the link “Share Your Comment” below.
Blessings,
Lee Ann
¹ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible Exposition Commentary (Vol. 2, p. 57-59). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
