This week, in both my small group and in my men's Bible study, we talked about the armor of God. It occurred to me that I should put it on each day like the kevlar, taser, handcuffs, flashlight and weapon put on daily by the wonderful policemen and policewomen who watch our church.
I wondered what that prayer might look like, me talking to God about my spiritual wardrobe as I got dressed in the morning.
The Scripture is in Ephesians 6:10-18. This version is the J.B. Phillips NT:
In conclusion be strong—not in yourselves but in the Lord, in the power of his boundless resource. Put on God’s complete armour so that you can successfully resist all the devil’s methods of attack. For our fight is not against any physical enemy: it is against organizations and powers that are spiritual. We are up against the unseen power that controls this dark world, and spiritual agents from the very headquarters of evil. Therefore you must wear the whole armor of God that you may be able to resist evil in its day of power, and that even when you have fought to a standstill you may still stand your ground. Take your stand then with truth as your belt, righteousness your breastplate, the Gospel of peace firmly on your feet, salvation as your helmet and in your hand the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Above all be sure you take faith as your shield, for it can quench every burning missile the enemy hurls at you. Pray at all times with every kind of spiritual prayer, keeping alert and persistent as you pray for all Christ’s men and women.
Father, today let me put on the full armor that You said I need as a disciple. Let me chase after truth, even if it means I admit I am wrong. Remind me to pursue righteousness, seeing unrighteousness in the world for what it is and seeing the unrighteousness in me. Give me an acute awareness of who I was without Jesus and who I would be if He had not redeemed me. I pray that I won’t be enticed by shiny things that are not righteous, excellent or necessary.
God, today You will create opportunities for me to share Your story and how it has become my story. Please give me both awareness and courage to be ready to share.
Jesus, reassure me that I am loved, forgiven and transformed–the essence of my faith and my shield against feelings that I am not worthy, not holy, not secured in You. Wrap my mind with the truth that I am eternally secure. Let me be intellectually satisfied that salvation is a mystery that cannot be explained or discredited by “experts” in science, literature, entertainment or even religion.
Help me know that I can cut through the deceit, distraction, darkness and despair of this fallen world because You have allowed me to wield the sword of Your Spirit. I can navigate today with the peace that passes all understanding, guarding my heart and my mind because I am filled with the Spirit. I can be salt and light in this world because I am a citizen of another world.
I pray with Paul that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I may fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel. I pray I face this day clothed in the full armor that You have provided.
Amen
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