Ephesians 6: 10-18 tells us to put on the full armour of God “so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (Eph 6: 13 ESV). The armour is not a suggestion it’s an instruction, so that we may effectively serve Christ. I believe we should put it on every morning before we start to pray, or read God’s word.

When you read the individual pieces of armour listed you realise that the armour itself, is Jesus. That we “put on” Jesus. The pieces of that armour are the promises given by Jesus to us about our status in Him. Without Jesus at the heart of all we do, we will be ineffective, as we will be working from our own strength and not His. We are also not able to defeat the enemy ( Satan) in our own strength so again need to “ put on” Christ to do this. By putting on Christ before we pray or read God’s word, or serve in any capacity we are signalling to the world and to the enemy that the fight is already won. On the cross Jesus claimed the victory over sin and death, and harrowed hell before His resurrection and final ascension to Heaven.

Ephesians 6:10-18 reminds us that although the war is won, until Jesus returns there are still “local skirmishes”. You and your faith are a local skirmish, as the enemy will do all he can to distract, discourage and derail your faith. Every time you go to pray, read the word or serve you will be in the firing line. So it is imperative to suit up.

I came from the New Age and learning to pray was a major battle for me. When I was saved I could not pray silently in my mind, as my mind had not been my own for many years. I had physical interference, presences and voices. So I prayed out loud, and I prayed from written prayers so I could concentrate on the text and not get distracted. It was like fitness training. A day at a time, little by little. And little by little, by being persistent, ground was won. A major help in gaining that ground was learning to put on the armour of God. A kind friend gave me this wonderful prayer, which I want to give to you:

1. I put on the BELT of TRUTH that I am a child of God and the evil one cannot harm me. (1 John 3:1; 5:18)
2. I put on the BREASTPLATE of RIGHTEOUSNESS and affirm that I am in Christ Jesus who is my righteousness. (1 Cor: 30)
3. I stand firm in the gospel of peace because since I have been justified by faith I have peace with God through my Lord Jesus. (Rom 5:1)
4. I take up the SHIELD of FAITH that I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. (Phil 4:13)
5. I take up the HELMET of SALVATION and nothing will be able to separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus my Lord. (Rom 8:39)
6. I take up the SWORD of the SPIRIT which is the WORD of God, because through it I am thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:17)
7. I commit this day to you in prayer, standing firm in You and knowing that APART from You, I can do nothing. (John 15:5)

I pray that you will find strength through the truth of those words and remember that “all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8: 28)

God bless you, and keep you