Praying the Armor of God: Equipping Yourself for Spiritual Warfare
What’s Inside: Equip yourself for spiritual warfare battles with this armor of God prayer that will strengthen your relationship with God.
If you’ve ever felt like everything is against you and your enemies are coming at you from all sides… Sister – it could very well be spiritual warfare.
Equipping Yourself for Spiritual Warfare by Praying the Armor of God
I’ve noticed that there are two types of believers when it comes to spiritual warfare. Those who believe everything is spiritual warfare, and those who don’t give much credence to it all. I’d like to hope that I fall somewhere in the middle and that I have enough discernment to know spiritual warfare when I see it.
Many believe that demons and devils are involved in every single thing that goes wrong and on the flip side, some never experience it at all. I don’t want to stroll through life oblivious to the fact that there is real spiritual warfare going on.
*real spiritual warfare*
If the Bible says there is spiritual warfare…then there *is* spiritual warfare. Wouldn’t you agree?
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Praying on the Armor of God
The war that we are fighting isn’t an earthly one. Praying on the armor of God is a warfare that is being waged in the heavens. In Ephesians, it speaks of a warfare of spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
The war that we are fighting isn’t an earthly one. It’s a warfare that is being waged in the heavens.
In fact, there is an unseen battle of demons controlling nations and fighting one another for victory. (Read Daniel ch. 10) We are locked in a life and death struggle with spiritual forces. It’s eye opening!
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:12
Understanding the Armor of God from the Bible
Our warfare is not a warfare of rifles, tanks and grenades. It’s more dangerous than that. It’s a warfare of the heavenly realm, where the souls of men and women are at stake. Satan is the enemy and the stakes are high with the destiny of the souls of men and women.
Sweet Sister…you, as a believer of Jesus, are the target. In order to fight back you need to arm yourself with prayer and the armor of God!
Let’s look at Ephesians 6:10-18 together. Will you read it with me?
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
Ephesians 10:6-18
No man goes into an earthly battle unprepared. The same is true for warfare. We need weapons. Spiritual weapons. As Christians, God has given us access to powerful tools that will help us protect our souls and engage in a warfare of the heavens.
We are told to put on the whole armor of God so we can stand against the spiritual warfare that will come against us.
What are the Weapons we use in Spiritual Warfare?
Conventionally there are 6 weapons od spiritual warfare, but reading Ephesians 10:6-18 left me with a different conclusion that there are 7.
Prayer is also included
What are the weapons we use in spiritual warfare against the enemy??
Here’s a list that comes from Ephesians as quoted and highlighted above in pink.
- belt of truth (the word of God)
- breastplate of righteousness
- preparation of the gospel of peace (shoes of peace)
- shield of faith
- helmet of salvation
- sword of the Spirit
- prayer
Here are the weapons with their purposes:
Belt of truth (also known as the word of God)
From old westerns (Bonanza!) to modern day cop shows, the most accessible “quick draw” weapon drawn for protection is the one on the waist.
The purpose of the “quick draw” belt of truth, is to provide us with a weapon that will help us stand firm in our faith as we wage war against the enemy. Truth is the foundation for every spiritual warfare battle.
God’s truth keeps us from giving in to the world’s belief. All of our beliefs and actions go back to the foundation of God’s word.
Breastplate of righteousness
The breastplate is the piece of armor that protects the innermost vital organs such as the heart and lungs. The breastplate of righteousness protects our spiritual heart which is the seat of our emotions.
We are saved by God’s righteousness alone, but our growth in God will result in a life that displays righteousness to everyone.
Preparation of the gospel of peace (shoes of peace)
Romans 10:15 says, “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things” and the same thing could be said about the shoes of peace that wrap around to protect the feet of God’s beloved believers.
How fitting the preparation of the gospel of peace represents sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others.
Shield of faith
The shield of faith was a crucial piece of armor for ancient soldiers, as it provided a physical barrier of protection against swords and shields.
Spiritually speaking, the shield of faith Similarly, the shield of faith protects us from the fiery darts or attacks of the devil, who seeks to destroy us. By holding up our shield of faith, we can withstand the assaults of the enemy.
Helmet of salvation
The helmet of salvation covers the spiritual battlefield of the mind. We put on the helmet of salvation when we believe in Jesus Christ for our salvation.
Sword of the Spirit
The sword, representing the word of God, was an important tool for ancient soldiers, and was the primary weapon used to overcome attacks of the enemy. In a similar way, the Bible is critical for us as Christians to defeat the enemy’s attacks. For ancient soldiers, the sword was a crucial weapon.
Yielding the word of the Spirit, is using the word of God to resist lies and the temptations of the enemy. The word of God is capable of dividing soul and spirit, penetrating and discerning the thoughts of man’s heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrew 4:12
Prayer
Prayer technically isn’t one of the weapons of our spiritual warfare, but if you read Ephesians 10:16, the word of God rolls right into mentioning prayer as if there is no division. (Just my two cents!)
When we pray, we resist the temptations and attacks of the enemy and receive Through prayer, we are able to receive His guidance and direction for our lives.
The key to resisting the devil is found in James 4:7 which reads: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
The Key to Resisting the Devil in Spiritual Warfare
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7
The key to resisting the devil is found in James 4:7. We are given two qualifiers to get the devil to flee from us. Do you know what they are?
We are commanded to:
- Submit to God
- Resist the devil
Submit in the Greek is Ὑποτάγητε Strong’s 5293: and means. to subordinate; and obey. We are to subordinate ourselves to God and obey Him. So much for thinking we can just run into battle wielding a sword without having the foundation of submission and obedience. If that does happen, there will be some lost battles and some heartache to boot.
Resist (the devil) in the Greek is ἀντίστητε Strong’s 436: and means to set against, withstand, resist and oppose. We are told to set against, eithstand resist and ppose the devil.
We can’t serve in the camp of Satan and the camp of God at the same time.
Praying the Full Armor of God Prayers
You’ve heard the saying that there are no atheists in a foxhole. God hasn’t given these spiritual weapons to everyone and everyone. He gives them only to believers that follow Him and avail themselves of using them.
Sis, these full armor of God prayers are for believers in Jesus. Remember we talked about how there are many Christians who don’t give much credence to spiritual warfare at all? Why would they even need the weapons if they aren’t in a war? The truth is they aren’t in a war and have no need.
May God open our eyes to the spiritual war that is going n around us.
Sweet Sis, let’s suit up for warfare and let’s be praying the full armor of god together!
(These prayers are only a guide. You may pray them verbatim but I would recommend you putting them into your own words.)
How to Pray the Armor of God-Prayer for Putting on the Armor of God
Before we pray on each battle piece, let’s say this prayer for putting on the armor of God together.
Lord, Thank you for opening our eyes to spiritual warfare.
Help us to see that we are engaging in a real war with real casualties- the souls of men and women.
As we put on each piece of our spiritual armor,
help us to see the benefit of each armor piece
and to use it as you would guide us.
In Jesus name, Amen
Now join me in praying on the armor of God pieces seperately.
A Prayer for Putting on the Belt of truth
Thank you for your unchanging truth that never wavers or changes. As we put on the belt of truth, help us to walk in your truth and see that your truth is the bedrock foundation of our faith.
In Jesus name, Amen
A Prayer for Putting on the Breastplate of righteousness
Thank you for the breastplate of righteousness that protects my heart from attack. Thank you for covering me in your righteousness and may it shine through me so that others can see.
In Jesus name, Amen
A Prayer for Putting on the Preparation of the gospel of peace (shoes of peace)
Thank you for the gospel of peace that are shod on my feet and the feet of every believer. Help me walk far and near to share your gospel to all that will hear.
In Jesus name, Amen
A Prayer for Putting on the Shield of faith
Thank you for your shield of faith that protects me from the fiery darts and attacks of the devil that want to destry me. Help me to hold up the shield of faith to withstand the assaults of the enemy.
In Jesus Name, Amen
A Prayer for Putting on the Helmet of salvation
Thank you for the helmet of salvation which covers the spiritual battlefield of the mind. You have transformed my mind and have given me this tool to protect me from outward thoughts and even my own self doubts. Thank you fr the truth of your salvation.
In Jesus Name, Amen
A Prayer for Putting on the Sword of the Spirit
You have given me the sword of the spirit, your word, to overcome the attacks of the enemy. Help me to hide your word in the highest regard, abobe every opinion and doctrine, Help me to be a defender of the precious word of God.
In Jesus Name, Amen
A Prayer for the Armor of God
Here’s a final prayer for the armor of God- for each piece we are equipped with to engage in spiritual warfare-
Dear God, we are so grateful for the protection you have provided us with the Armor of God as we wage spiritual warfare with our enemies. Thank you for the strength and wisdom you provide us with un the face of adversity.
Thank you for the Belt of Truth, that helps us to seek Bible based truth and righteousness. We thank you for the Breastplate of Righteousness that protects our hearts and helps us to live according to your will. We thank you for the Shoes of Peace, which help us to spread your gospel message of love and hope to those around us.
We are grateful for the Shield of Faith, that protects us from the fiery darts of the enemy. We thank you for the Helmet of Salvation, which guards our minds and we thank you for the Sword of the Spirit, which is your Word that helps us to stand strong against the wiles of the devil.
May we always be grateful for the Armor of God and use it to honor you in all that we do.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Praying the Armor of God
Here are some great questions about praying the armor of God:
- What is the Armor of God prayer? The Armor of God prayer inspired from Ephesians 6:10-18 that asks God to help us put on the full armor of God to protect us from the spiritual battles we face.
- What does the Armor of God prayer consist of? The Armor of God prayer consists of asking for God’s help to put on the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shoes of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit.
- Why is the Armor of God prayer important? The Armor of God prayer is important because it reminds us to rely on God’s protection and guidance in our daily lives and not our own. It’s all about God! It helps us to stand firm in our faith and resist the schemes of the enemy against us.
- How do I pray the Armor of God prayer? You can use the examples above or start by asking God to help you put on each piece of the armor. Pray for His protection and guidance as you pray.
- Can I pray the Armor of God prayer for someone else? Yes, you can pray the Armor of God prayer for someone else, asking God to protect and guide them in their spiritual battles. We don’t know the battles someone is facing so I would encourage you to definitely pray for others.
- How often should I pray the Armor of God prayer? Peay when you feel like you are coming up against spiritual warfare.
- Is the Armor of God prayer a guarantee of safety from harm? No, the Armor of God prayer is not a guarantee of safety from harm but we never know the danger that was prevented by praying for ourself.
Conclusion
There will inevitably be a time when you will experience spiritual warfare and you have been given the tools you need to pray through it, sweet Sis!
The Armor of God prayer is a powerful tool for equipping ourselves in the spiritual battles we face each day. By putting on the full armor of God and praying for His protection and guidance during spiritual warfare, we can stand firm in our faith and resist the fiery darts and wiles of the enemy.
Through prayer, we can access the strength, wisdom, and courage we need to face any challenge and overcome it with the help of our Heavenly Father.
Let us remember to pray the Armor of God prayer, and trust in God’s promises to be with us, protect us, and guide us in all that we do.
