SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1209

“Pray the Full Armor of God”

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm… praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, – Ephesians 6:10-13, 18

Conventional wisdom says, ‘Never bring a knife to a gun fight’. The point being made is that we must be prepared when going into battle. Yes, we know that we do not prevail by our own power and might, but rather by the Spirit of God and that the battle belongs to the Lord.

Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts … that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s… – Zechariah 4:6; 1 Samuel 17:47

We are, however, called to action and not passivity. We are to take up and put on His whole armor and stand against the enemy’s schemes. We are called to wrestle, stay alert, and persevere in continual prayer.

We venture out every day into an evil world laced with the schemes of the devil to trip us up, discourage us, cause us to fear, and to weaken our faith and trust in God. We must venture out equipped with the whole armor of God.

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness – Ephesians 6:14

Lord, I stand tall and confident, secure in the Truth of your Word. I fasten the belt of truth around my waist to hold my garments securely allowing me to move freely whether it is to flee immorality or run into battle. Let there be no falsehood in me. May I speak only words of truth in all my dealings.

Jesus, thank You for Your imputed righteousness as I protect my heart with the breastplate of righteousness. May my heart remain pure and forever seek first your righteousness and Your Kingdom. Thank you for having my back and protecting me from being caught unaware by the enemy. …the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. – Isaiah 58:8

and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. – Ephesians 6:15

Father, I love Your Word. Thank you for the Holy Spirit guidance in understanding and applying Your Word to my life. I put on the shoes of the Gospel Truth of salvation through Jesus. May these shoes allow me to walk or run securely and safely on the roads of life that are littered with pitfalls and hazards to trip me up. May I be ready in season to share the Truth of the Gospel with all those you bring across my path by divine appointment.  As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” – Romans 10:15

 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; – Ephesians 6:16

Lord, I take up the shield of faith to carry with me in all circumstances. I am continually bombarded with the flaming arrows of the enemy seeking to weaken my faith, hope, and trust in You. Thank You, Jesus, for being my shield. I rest in your peace and in the shelter of your protection.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, – Psalm 91:1-5

and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, – Ephesians 6:17

Father, I put on the helmet of salvation to protect my mind from the seeds of doubt and fear that the enemy seeks to plant in my mind. My mind is at peace with the blessed assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ, my Lord.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life; I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. – John 3:16; 10:28-29

I take up the Sword of the Spirit, Your Living Word, to defend against and destroy the lies of the enemy.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

Holy Spirit, I pray that You would embed the Truth of the Word of God deep into my heart, mind, and soul. May You bring it into my remembrance to speak out as Light and Truth to dispel the darkness of the enemy as I pray in supplication for all the saints.