Praying on the Armour of God Scripture-Based Prayers (Ephesians 6)

The Bible speaks of the "armour of God" as a special kind of protection we are to "put on". Paul pointed to the Roman soldier’s armour, to illustrate something everyone at the time could relate to. 

Rather than physical armour, it's a set of spiritual tools we can use every day to stand firm in Jesus and defeat the enemy's attacks. It also gives us confidence to advance into the enemy's territory.

The armour of God contains 7 elements: the belt of truth, the shoes of peace, the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit and the Word of God. Prayer is the final element, often overlooked because it is not something we put on; it is something we do. 

Each piece represents an aspect of Jesus. Jesus is the truth, Jesus is our righteousness, Jesus is our peace, Jesus is our Saviour. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, and Jesus is the Word of God. The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Christ, and finally, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are our great intercessors.

The term “putting on” means to clothe oneself. The Greek word is endyō**, which means the sense of sinking into a garment. We are told to clothe ourselves in Jesus or to sink into him for protection as we advance the kingdom of God. How wonderful is that?

What does each piece of the armour protect? Why am I putting it on? How do I put it on? How can the Holy Spirit help me? 

The prayers following for each piece of the armour are the result of asking these questions. My Prayer is that you enjoy praying on the armour of God  

The Belt of Truth

Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus, who is the truth, and thank you for the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, who reveals Jesus to us through the word. Thank you, Jesus, for enabling us to come into the Father’s presence because of the truth you spoke.  

Today, as I put on the belt of truth, may the Spirit of Truth reveal and remind me of the truth of your word that will centre me in Jesus, so every lie and false belief can be identified, captured and destroyed.

Help me to stay in the identity you have given me, Father, as a much-loved child and an ambassador of Jesus Christ. Help me to pray with authority from the truth of the finished work of the cross.  

Scriptures

Ephesians 6:14

John 8:32

John 14:6

John 15:26

The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

Jesus, thank you for giving us your peace and for enabling us to be peacemakers for those you bring into our lives. It makes me smile to think of how beautiful my feet are when they wear shoes of peace.

Holy Spirit, please help me to walk in the peace that Jesus so generously gave me, without fear or feeling burdened by the troubles around me.

May you lead me to the people who need the good news of Jesus today and help me to speak with gentleness and respect, the message you want them to hear.  May I speak a blessing over them and leave your shalom to touch them.

Scriptures

Ephesians 6:15

Romans10:15

Isaiah 52:7

John 14:27

The Breastplate of Righteousness

Father, thank you that through the blood of Jesus, I have been made righteous, and the cost of my sins has been paid in full. I have been made whiter than the snow. Thank you for the righteousness of Jesus, a protective breastplate I get to wear to keep my heart pure.

As I put on and wear the breastplate of righteousness today, I ask the Holy Spirit to help me guard my heart and let only that which is of you enter it. May I do everything out of a heart of love. Help me to be a person of integrity.

Help me to seek first your kingdom and your righteousness so I may be confident in the battles I face today.

Please reveal any unrighteousness that may have crept into my heart and mind. Help me to repent of it and replace it with the truth and righteousness that Jesus brings. 

Scriptures

Ephesians 6:14

2 Corinthians 5:21

Proverbs 13:6

Proverbs 4:23

Matthew 6:33 

Proverbs 21:20-22

The Shield of Faith

Father, thank you for shielding us through our faith in Jesus, your Word of truth, the blood of Christ and your great love for us.

Please help me overcome all the fiery arrows the enemy sends my way. Give me the wisdom I need and help me activate my faith in Jesus to do this. 

May doubt flee from me as I stand firm in your promises and in your word. May I have eyes to see that the impossible is possible with you, Jesus. Please use these situations to strengthen and perfect my faith as I fix my eyes on Jesus.

Help me to have faith greater than that of a mustard seed, so the mountains of opposition have to move as I speak life and take action, as the Holy Spirit directs me. 

Help me to be alert and to raise my shield alongside others as we march into the promised land and take territory for the kingdom. May we move forward confidently into the victory Jesus has already secured. 

Scriptures

Ephesians 6:16

Hebrews 11:1

1John 5: 3-5

Matthew 17:20

The Helmet of Salvation

Thank you, Father, for the saving grace I have received through Jesus and continue to receive.

Thank you for the helmet of Salvation, which protects our minds, senses, and all the functions of the brain.

Thank you, Father, for giving us the mind of Christ, so we will know your thoughts and be one with you as Jesus is one with you. 

May your Holy Spirit keep me in the mind of Christ today. 

Help me to stand firm in your promises, in your word, and in what you have spoken over my life.

May I recognise the fiery darts of doubt, anxiety, and questions relating to my identity in Christ and as a child of God, taking these thoughts captive and replacing them with the truth. 

Help me resist all temptation and distraction that comes my way so I can see clearly the path Jesus wants me to stay on.

May I choose gratitude, praise and joy instead of complaining, criticising, and gloomy thoughts. Thank you, Father.

Scriptures

Ephesians 6:17

1Thessalonians 5:8

Isaiah 12:2

Acts 4:11-13

Ephesians 1:13

1 Corinthians 2:15-16

2 Corinthians 4:4

2 Corinthians 10:5

The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God

Thank you for your Word, Father. Thank you for the Word that was there at the beginning and is through which all things were created. 

Thank you, Jesus, for being the Word that gives life, creates, leads us to salvation and into the Father’s love and presence, and so much more.

Thank you for your word, which is the truth and therefore a powerful weapon against the enemy's attacks. It will not return to you without accomplishing all you have planned for it to accomplish.

Holy Spirit, please help us to wield this sword of the Word with authority, strength, wisdom, and out of love. Bring the right scripture to mind for each situation and help me stand firm in your truth.

May I share my testimony freely, as you lead me, so that, with the blood of the Lamb, all the enemy’s attacks can be overcome. May my testimony be a word of prophecy for those who hear it, bringing hope to those who need it. Help me to share the good news with those I meet so the Word of God can do its work. 

Help me to keep my sword sharp by being in your word regularly, meditating on it and applying it to my life. Holy Spirit, please continue to reveal the truth contained in the scriptures.

Thank you, Father.

Scriptures

Ephesians 6:17

John 1: 1 

Hebrews 4:12

Matthew4:4

Isaiah 55:10-11

Proverbs 30:5

Matthew 4:4

Acts 4:31

Revelation 12:11

The Weapon of Prayer 

Thank you, Father, for inviting us to be in constant communion with you through prayer. Thank you for hearing all the different types of prayers that we pray. Thank you to Jesus and the Holy Spirit who constantly intercede for us.

Holy Spirit, please lead me in all sorts of prayers and requests. 

May I pray in a way that strengthens me in my inner being. May I join you in your intercession for all the Lord’s people. 

In every situation, help me to pray from a place of victory, knowing Jesus secured the victory at the cross and when he rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of the Father above all powers and authorities. 

Help me to pray using the scriptures. Help me pray in your Spirit and use my gift of tongues, especially when I don’t know what to pray.

May prayer bubble up from within me. May I pray with joy, out of your great love and with a righteous heart, so my prayers will be powerful and effective. May I pray the Father’s will and see heaven invade earth. 

Scriptures

Ephesians 6:18

Ephesians 3:16

Philippians 4:6

Matthew 6:9-13

Psalm 17:6

Romans 8:26

Hebrews 7:25

Thanksgiving

Thank you, Father, for giving us the armour of life that will deflect all the enemy’s attacks and clothe us for victory as we advance to take territory and people for your Kingdom. Thank you, Jesus, for being that armour. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for helping me to pray on and wear this armour.  

For Reflection

• What did the Holy Spirit highlight to you? 

• Why do you think this was highlighted?

• What action will you take as a result of this being highlighted?