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Armor of God Prayer – What is it and How to Pray it?
Published: March 22, 2022
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The Armor of God prayer is the armor that’ll protect us in the spiritual battles of life. Find out what each part means and how we can pray it today.
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Are there times when you feel like this world is a battlefield? Do you feel like you are in a constant imaginary war where you’re fighting to survive? You’d feel overwhelmed as you drown in worries and anxiety. Some days you get better, but some days you truly feel you are going under. It’s like an endless battle of bouncing back and forth between feeling okay and not okay. That is why we need the Armor of God prayer.
The full armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18 is the best defense we have against our own battles. It says in Ephesians 6:12 that our fight is not against flesh and blood but instead with the evil spirits and forces of this world. It is why the apostle Paul also encourages us to pray the Armor of God prayer every day to arm ourselves spiritually and fight against the spiritual attacks of Satan. The fight is real.
But how should we pray with the Armor of God? How can we put on the armor of God every day? This is an abstract concept, even for Christians. But as we delve further to look at what it means, we can understand the meaning and significance of the full armor of God.
What is the Full Armor of God and What Does It Mean?
In the Bible, we can find the armor of God scripture in Ephesians 6:10-18. Here, Apostle Paul wrote and described the six pieces of God’s armor that we are to put on:
- The Belt of Truth
- The Breastplate of Righteousness
- The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
- The Shield of Faith
- The Helmet of Salvation
- The Sword of Spirit
Of course, these are all metaphors, we do not actually put on physical full-body armor. To put on the armor of God is to apply God’s Words into all areas of your lives daily. Paul uses imagery to help us better understand the power the lies behind the armor of God.
Read more: How To Pray In Catholicism
Belt of Truth meaning – Our Integrity (Ephesians 6:14)
This armor of God verse talks about the integrity of a believer or follower of Christ. We usually wear belts to hold our pants together or to tighten them. In the past, belts also help to hold people’s tunics and armor together. It is a simple yet practical tool – just like the Truth. As belts wrap around our waist, we too are to wrap the truth around ourselves.
Jesus is the Truth that holds the whole armor of God and thus, our lives together. He calls us to live a life of integrity because we belong to Him (1 Peter 2:9). Our true identity is in Him. Our principles and value are based on Him. The enemy is the Father of Lies. It will be easy for us to fall into his trap if we do not know the Truth and our identity in Christ. If we do not have Jesus in our lives and practice integrity to adhere to godly principles daily, then nothing will keep our lives together. We will lose any battle in front of us. Jesus is the Truth that sets us free.
Breastplate of Righteousness meaning – Our Heart’s Purity (Ephesians 6:14)
In a soldier’s armor, the breastplate is one of the most important armor because it protects vital organs such as the heart – the one that springs life (Proverbs 4:23). For believers, our spiritual breastplate is Christ’s righteousness. Paul advises us to safeguard our hearts with God’s righteousness so that we may not fall into sin when Satan tempts us.
Every day, the Father of Lies attacks us with deceit, lies, and condemnation to crack through this breastplate and get to our hearts and minds. This is his way of making our hearts impure before the Lord. But, Christ offers us His protection and righteousness from these attacks when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior (Romans 3:22). We cannot counter the enemy’s attack on our own. But with God’s words to keep us righteous, we are protected in any battles.
The Shoes of Gospel of Peace meaning – Our Calmness During Chaos (Ephesians 6:15)
I’ve learned that a Roman soldier’s shoe soles have hobnails that look like football cleats. It gives them solid footing during battle so they can properly move. Similarly, the shoes of peace pertain to the peace we can only find in Christ. It is the only peace in the world that gives us solid footing as we fight against the enemy.
Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that we will have trouble in this world but in Him, we will have peace. The kind of peace He offers is permanent and secure. It is a peace that brings joy even during the chaos. It is a peace that transcends all reason and understanding. When we anchor ourselves to Him, We can be confident that He who is in us is greater than our enemy who is in this world.
Shield of Faith meaning – Our Firm Foundation (Ephesians 6:16)
In the past, Romans carried shields made of animal hide. Before battles, soldiers would dip their shields into the water so that fiery arrows shot by the enemy will extinguish upon contact. In the same way, Paul is reminding us that a believer’s faith acts as a powerful shield that protects and extinguishes Satan’s arrows of doubt and deceit. Therefore, the Shield of Faith is our firm foundation and certainty that protects us when we are under Satan’s attacks.
In the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27), Jesus explains how our faith in Him is our strong foundation Neither rain nor waves nor wind can shake this faith. We build this faith by reading His Word and obeying them. We can also pray and ask God to build our faith in Him as well. When we do all these, we build our lives on this shield of faith that can safeguard us from Satan’s flaming arrows.
Read more: How To Pray During Lent
Helmet of Salvation meaning – Our Sanity (Ephesians 6:17)
A helmet is worn to protect the head because the brain is a vital and vulnerable organ. Any blows to the head can cause us to lose the ability to think properly or loss of life. Paul is instructing us to guard our minds and thoughts because that is where most of our battles occur. They are battlefields where most spiritual battles take place.
We guard our minds with one simple fact: our salvation. Our salvation is one of God’s greatest gifts to us. It does not only mean deliverance from sins and or eternal life. Salvation also refers to being part of God’s kingdom and thus, our identity as His child. We are saved not by what we do, but by God’s grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). And in knowing this, we can take heart that our salvation is a helmet that assures our identity in Him and frees us from spiritual battles.
Sword of the Spirit meaning – The Word of God (Ephesians 6:17)
Amongst all the pieces of the armor of God that Paul has mentioned, the Sword of the Spirit is the only armor meant for attack and defense. And that is the Word of God. God’s words are the truth that is both amazing and has tremendous power. It is a strong shield and at the same time a powerful weapon to help us during Satan’s attacks.
Jesus showed us exactly how we should use the Word of God during His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Each time Jesus was tempted by Satan, He used the Sword of the Spirit, speaking the Word of God to fight against the lies of the devil. What a powerful demonstration of how to use this sword against the enemy!
The Word of God is indeed living and active, and sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Let’s arm ourselves daily by taking time to read God’s Word, meditate and memorize them. We never know when we will use them the way Jesus used them as well.
Always Be Alert and Be Aware of the Enemy (Ephesians 6:18)
In this verse, the apostle Paul reminds us to pray a prayer of protection at all times. The Bible describes the enemy that prowls like a roaring lion, always searching for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). The hard truth is that as believers, we will face more spiritual attacks than non-believers because Satan cannot stand those who are not on his side.
The battle is very real. We have to stay alert and be on guard through prayers. We are counting on the power of the Lord to protect us against all the schemes of the enemy.
Why Should We Pray the Armor of God Prayer?
Our battle on earth is not with the flesh and blood of this world, but the spiritual warfare that happens in our lives. It can manifest in various mental health issues and conflicts – depression, addiction, low self-esteem, constant nightmares, family conflicts, and others. The devil is cunning and knows many avenues and ways that he can use to break us from the inside out. Praying the Amor of God prayer can remind us of spiritual disciplines that we should practice daily to guard our hearts and steel our minds. Most importantly, the Armor of God prayers reminds us of who we are – God’s children whom He dearly loves. How to Pray the Armor of God Prayer?
These are the ways how you can pray the armor of God prayer:
The Full Armor of God Prayer for Protection
Father God, thank You for not leaving us defenseless and helpless against the attacks of the enemy. Life can be really tough at times and I know that it’s because as long as we’re in this world, we are in constant spiritual warfare. Today I pray that no weapon formed against me will prosper. May the belt of truth help me to keep my life together as I pursue integrity and honesty to fight against temptations. I pray that the breastplate of righteousness would guard my heart against selfish and worldly desires. Help me put on the shoes of peace and will my spirit to be still amidst the chaos around me.
May the helmet of salvation help me to have a mind of Christ, that I take every thought captive and make them obedient to You. I pray for the shield of faith to protect me against the flaming arrows of doubt and the sword of the spirit to be a powerful weapon against Satan’s lies. I lift up this prayer of protection so that no matter how strong the attacks of the enemy are, I remain standing. Thank You, Lord, for You are my fortress and my rock. I know that because You are for me, nothing and no one can be against me. I praise and thank You, God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Put on the Armor of God prayer
God, today, I ask for Your guidance and help in remembering to put on the whole armor of God every day. Forgive me for the times I’ve forgotten to prepare, to be too busy to care, and for the times I’ve tried fighting battles on my own. I realize that I can never win this life’s battles by my own skill, wisdom, and strength for I will always fall short. But thank You for, despite this, You shower me with Your grace and forgiveness. Thank You for giving me everything I need to stand firm in this world and against the challenges of life. Thank You that I never have to fight alone because You are always working on my behalf. May I always be reminded to depend on You by always putting on Your armor. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Short Armor of God Prayer for My Daily Life
Lord, before I go about my day, I pray that you help me put on your full armor. Just like a soldier who gets ready for battle, help me to prepare against the attacks from the enemy. I am a soldier of Christ and it is my desire for that to be evident in my life. I pray that through every trial and challenge of this life, I would always claim the victory because I have You with me. As I put on the full armor of God today, I know that I am not going into this battle alone. Thank You for Your promise of not leaving nor forsaking me. Today, I put my complete trust in You. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
An Armor of God Prayer to Be The Salt and Light
Dear Lord, it is such an honor to be a soldier for the army of Christ. Help me to put on your full armor to always be prepared for battle. Remind me to put on the belt of truth so that I would live a life of integrity and principle even when it’s not easy. Assist me to put on the breastplate of righteousness so I can show kindness to others. May I not forget to strap on the shoes of the gospel of peace to avoid being at war with others and even with myself.
May I always wear the helmet of salvation so that even my thoughts are protected. May I not forget to carry the sword of the spirit to be reminded that the Word of God always has the final say in my life. In all ways and circumstances help me live a life that glorifies You so that I can be salt and light in this world. May I always strive to fulfill my role as Your soldier in the advancement of Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.