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Ephesians 6:10-20

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that 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. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Think

In this famous passage about the armour of God we may easily miss the centrality of prayer. Prayer is not just tacked on at the end, but the original language indicates that each element of the armour of God is deployed by prayer. The breastplate, the belt, the helmet, the boots, the shield and the sword - all are implemented and wielded through prayer in the Spirit; the prayer of faith.

Whether we know it or not, we are in a terrible battle and prayer is an indispensable weapon. It is vital we learn how to use it. Paul says “…be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (v. 18). Let’s pray urgently for each other that we would not be asleep in the battle and that we would put on the armour of God, praying in the Spirit.

Ponder

  • Why does God give us His armour?
  • What does it mean to pray in the Spirit?

Pray

In the coming week, seek to pray in the Spirit with all kinds of prayers and requests – keeping alert and praying for all God’s people (it’s a tall order!).

Prayer & Praise

Psalm 68:19 (NLT)

Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day He carries us in His arms.

  • Lord, You are worthy of all praise, for you are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords
  • We offer our praise and thanks for all You accomplished at Calvary
  • Lord, thank for what you are going to do through our beloved missionary friends as they share around the different churches in the coming weeks.
  • We bring to You, Lord, all those we are aware of that are in need in all sorts of ways.