Though not specifically called out as a piece of armor, prayer is essential to moving from self-sufficiency to dependence on the Holy Spirit. Everything else in this passage is equipped through the powerful resource of prayer.
After almost two weeks of reading about the armor of God, I bet many of us have pictured ourselves armored up. Maybe we’ve even mentally practiced “putting on” the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sandals of peaceful readiness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. It’s quite a sight, right? Here we are, armored up in metal and leather—like ancient warriors, swords in hand. Clearly, spiritual battle isn’t child’s play as we combat powers of darkness.
Paul’s words paint a striking picture and stir our imagination. In my mind, we stand firm, armor on, poised to fight. It’s go time! We strain to hear our marching orders.
“Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18). Really? Prayer and intercession? Suddenly I feel all dressed up with no place to go. We’re all geared up, and our first plan is to pray?
Yes, this is the battle plan: to begin by talking with the One who holds all hope for victory and to remember that God is the source of all spiritual power and direction. Prayer—our open channel for honest communication with God—is a mighty gift and a dependable drumbeat for life. Like the steady beat of a drumline that walks alongside soldiers heading into combat, prayer is the drumbeat in our battle against evil and brokenness. This steady cadence of prayer unifies us, sets our pace, and leads us onward.
I’m relieved that our marching orders begin with prayer and include a real talk with God every step of the way. I’m relieved because I’m afraid. Afraid to fight the darkness, afraid to trust God and His plans, afraid that I’ll fail to use my weapons well. It turns out my armored-up bravery is often flimsy bravado. I know what it means to falter in faith, in relationships, in work, and in convictions. If it’s up to me to remain steadfast in battle and secure the victory, all hope is lost.
Yet, thanks be to God, the drumbeat of prayer breaks through the noise of doubts and fears and steady us. “I call to God, and the LORD will save me. I complain and groan morning, noon, and night, and he hears my voice” (Psalm 55:16–17). We don’t fake it ‘til we make it, and we never march alone. The Lord hears; the Lord saves.
So we pray and march on—upheld by God’s truth, our faltering hearts covered by Christ, our doubting minds made sure of our salvation. We move forward in peace as we deflect doubt by faith and destroy lies by the Spirit’s power at work through the Word of God. Our armor is nothing less than a trinity of protection from God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
God’s Word is my command. Because that word is prayer, I am never alone…and the beat goes on.
❤️
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Traci- Wow! Thank you for sharing the devotional. I struggle so much with distraction and I have been falling for it because I am afraid. I leave my job in two weeks to fully start my business. I am terrified and instead of dealing with my fear alongside God, I try to distract myself from it- social media, tv, being my two methods of distraction. If I am not spending time with God, I am not addressing my fear.
Heidi- it has been so amazing seeing how prayer has changed so many things for your niece. Thank you for sharing her story/ your story with us. Prayer is truly our strongest weapon; it changes us, it changes everything!
Sarah D: Thank you for sharing the podcast! I love JP and listen to his other podcast Becoming Something. The one you shared on the armour of God was so good and timely for me.
Patty S- I loved this from the devotional today: I’m relieved that our marching orders begin with prayer and include a real talk with God every step of the way. I’m relieved because I’m afraid. Afraid to fight the darkness, afraid to trust God and His plans, afraid that I’ll fail to use my weapons well. It turns out my armored-up bravery is often flimsy bravado. I know what it means to falter in faith, in relationships, in work, and in convictions. If it’s up to me to remain steadfast in battle and secure the victory, all hope is lost.
Praying for the prayers listed here. So thankful for this community of praying women!
Lord Jesus, I pray for Cynthia + her husband as they give their daughter away today. Would you face shine upon them, would they shine so bright for you today that people will give their lives to Christ, to you, today even at the wedding. We proclaim it, prophecy it, declare and decree that salvation will take place today and you will get all of the glory! In Jesus name!
Amen ❤️
Sorry about posting three times before this comment. Problems with phone!
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. – Philippians 4:9
Love this verse! And also love the way the devotional where she wrote : Prayer — our open channel for honest communication with God—is a mighty gift and a dependable drumbeat for life!
Wish my prayer life was like that. It is at times when I am in fear for my daughters. At these times I know prayer has been answered bc my soul is seen and heard by the cries and tears (yes they are counted) and my words are heard. My life has been full of anxiety since 2010/2011 and there have been times where I have cried in honest communication with my Lord and Saviour. …in anger, in tears, in supplication for my daughters. Our life hasn’t been easy in my short lived marriage of 6 1/2 years. 4 court cases. And now the death of the one who has caused so much pain. Yes I have cried bc we have had some good times. Now I am at peace. I just hope and pray that my daughters will have peace too.
Sorry about posting three times before this comment. Problems with phone!
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. – Philippians 4:9
Love this verse! And also love the way the devotional where she wrote : Prayer — our open channel for honest communication with God—is a mighty gift and a dependable drumbeat for life!
Sorry about posting three times before this comment. Problems with phone!
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. – Philippians 4:9