Monday, June 8, 2015

Praying with the Armor

The Armor of God, described in Ephesians 6 is compelling.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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. 13 Therefore put on the full armor 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

We are commanded to put on the full of armor of God. Of God.

I offer this prayer to help us do it. I offer it knowing that if I trusted my own armor I'd be in trouble. I remember that the standard isn't any other human being, but God himself. I can not compare my righteousness, my truth or anything else of mine to Him or His favorably. I will always fall short. Thank God for His mercy!!


Lord, put upon my head the helmet of your salvation, because I can not save myself, only you can save me.

Lord, put upon my torso the breastplace of your righteousness. It must be yours, because mine is truly like filthy rags, so full of holes the enemy could do me a world of hurt if I rode into battle with it. 

Lord, place around my waist the belt of your truth. Only your truth, and your understanding of truth, is sure. Only yours is the right one.

Lord, place upon my feet the readiness that comes from your good news of peace. Only you give such good news, such peace. I can not find it on my own. I cannot make ready for you or to share your kingdom by myself. 

In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

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