Have you ever felt like you are in a spiritual battle? Do you face challenges, temptations, or attacks from the enemy that try to discourage you, deceive you, or destroy you? If so, you are not alone.
The Bible tells us that we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).
But the good news is that God has not left us defenseless. He has given us his armor to protect us and his weapons to fight with. In this article, we will explore what the armor of God is, why we need to put it on, how to put it on, and how to stay strong in the Lord.
What is the armor of God?
The armor of God is a powerful metaphor that the apostle Paul used in his letter to the Ephesians to describe the spiritual resources that God has given to his children. The armor of God consists of six pieces: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Each piece represents an aspect of God’s character and his promises that we can rely on in our daily battles.
The armor of God is not a physical armor that we wear, but a spiritual armor that we put on by faith. It is not something that we earn or deserve, but something that we receive by grace. It is not something that we do once and forget about it, but something that we do every day as we follow Jesus.
Why do we need to put on the armor of God?
We need to put on the armor of God because we are in a spiritual warfare. The enemy is not a myth or a metaphor, but a real and powerful adversary who wants to steal, kill, and destroy us (John 10:10). He is not a friend or a foe, but a liar and a murderer who hates God and his people (John 8:44). He is not weak or defeated, but cunning and relentless who schemes and attacks us (2 Corinthians 2:11).
The enemy knows our weaknesses and vulnerabilities. He knows our doubts and fears. He knows our sins and failures. He knows how to tempt us, accuse us, and deceive us. He knows how to make us feel hopeless, helpless, and worthless. He knows how to make us forget who we are and whose we are.
That is why we need to put on the armor of God. The armor of God is our defense against the enemy’s attacks. The armor of God is our identity in Christ. The armor of God is our victory over the enemy.
How to put on the armor of God
How do we put on the armor of God? The answer is simple: by prayer. Prayer is not just a way of asking God for things, but a way of aligning ourselves with God’s will and his ways. Prayer is not just a way of talking to God, but a way of listening to God. Prayer is not just a way of expressing our needs and desires, but a way of receiving his grace and power.
Prayer is the key to putting on the armor of God. In Ephesians 6:18, Paul says that after describing the armor of God, he says: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Praying in the Spirit means praying according to God’s word and God’s will. Praying on all occasions means praying at all times and in all situations. Praying with all kinds of prayers and requests means praying with praise, thanksgiving, confession, intercession, petition, etc.
Praying through the armor of God is a way of using God’s word to strengthen our faith and resist the enemy. It is a way of declaring our dependence on God and his power. It is a way of applying God’s truth to our lives and claiming his promises.
The Six Pieces of the Armor of God
Let us now look at each piece of the armor of God and how to pray through them.
The belt of truth
The belt of truth is the first piece of the armor of God. It represents God’s word that is true and reliable. Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). He also said: “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17).
The belt of truth helps us to stand firm against the lies and deception of the enemy. The enemy is called “the father of lies” (John 8:44) who tries to make us doubt God’s word and God’s love. He tries to make us believe that God is not good, that God is not faithful, that God is not able to help us, that God is not pleased with us, etc.
To put on the belt of truth, we need to know God’s word and believe God’s word. We need to read the Bible every day and meditate on its meaning and application. We need to memorize and quote God’s word when we face temptation or accusation. We need to trust and obey God’s word in every situation.
We can pray something like this:
Lord, I thank you for your word that is true and reliable. I thank you that your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105). I thank you that your word is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). I thank you that your word is able to make me wise for salvation and equip me for every good work (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
Lord, I ask you to help me to put on the belt of truth today. Help me to know your word and believe your word. Help me to read your word and apply your word. Help me to memorize your word and quote your word. Help me to trust your word and obey your word.
Lord, I reject the lies and deception of the enemy. I renounce any doubt or unbelief in my heart. I declare that you are good, that you are faithful, that you are able, that you are pleased with me in Christ.
Lord, I ask you to fill me with your Spirit of truth who will guide me into all truth (John 16:13). Help me to discern the truth from the error. Help me to speak the truth in love. Help me to live by the truth and walk in the truth.
The breastplate of righteousness
The breastplate of righteousness is the second piece of the armor of God. It represents God’s righteousness that is given to us by faith in Christ. Paul says: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). He also says: “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (Romans 3:22).
The breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts from the condemnation and guilt of the enemy. The enemy is called “the accuser of our brothers and sisters” (Revelation 12:10) who tries to make us feel unworthy and ashamed of our sins and failures. He tries to make us think that we are not forgiven, that we are not accepted, that we are not loved, that we are not enough, etc.
To put on the breastplate of righteousness, we need to receive God’s forgiveness and acceptance by grace through faith in Christ. We need to confess our sins and repent of our sins. We need to remember what Christ has done for us on the cross and what he has declared over us in his resurrection. We need to live in a way that pleases God and reflects his holiness.
We can pray something like this:
Lord, I thank you for your righteousness that is given to me by faith in Christ. I thank you that you made him who had no sin to be sin for me, so that in him I might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). I thank you that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). I thank you that you have forgiven all my sins and cleansed me from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Lord, I ask you to help me to put on the breastplate of righteousness today. Help me to receive your forgiveness and acceptance by grace through faith in Christ. Help me to confess my sins and repent of my sins. Help me to remember what Christ has done for me on the cross and what he has declared over me in his resurrection.
Lord, I reject the condemnation and guilt of the enemy. I renounce any shame or fear in my heart. I declare that I am forgiven, that I am accepted, that I am loved, that I am enough in Christ.
Lord, I ask you to fill me with your Spirit of holiness who will produce in me the fruit of righteousness (Galatians 5:22-23). Help me to live in a way that pleases you and reflects your holiness. Help me to seek first your kingdom and your righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Help me to pursue peace and holiness with everyone (Hebrews 12:14).
The shoes of the gospel of peace
The shoes of the gospel of peace are the third piece of the armor of God. They represent God’s peace that is based on his gospel or good news. Paul says:
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). He also says: “And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15).
The shoes of the gospel of peace help us to stand firm on the solid foundation of God’s grace and love. The enemy is called “the prince of this world” (John 12:31) who tries to make us feel restless and anxious about our circumstances and our future. He tries to make us worry about our needs, our problems, our relationships, etc.
To put on the shoes of the gospel of peace, we need to remember God’s good news and rejoice in God’s salvation. We need to trust God’s promises and his provision. We need to cast all our cares on him and receive his peace that surpasses all understanding. We need to share God’s good news with others and spread his peace in the world.
We can pray something like this:
Lord, I thank you for your peace that is based on your gospel or good news. I thank you that you have justified me through faith and given me peace with you through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). I thank you that you have reconciled me to yourself and made me your child and your friend (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). I thank you that you have given me the peace of God that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Lord, I ask you to help me to put on the shoes of the gospel of peace today. Help me to remember your good news and rejoice in your salvation. Help me to trust your promises and your provision. Help me to cast all my cares on you and receive your peace that surpasses all understanding.
Lord, I reject the restlessness and anxiety of the enemy. I renounce any worry or fear in my heart. I declare that you are my refuge and my strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). I declare that you are my shepherd and I shall not be in want (Psalm 23:1).
Lord, I ask you to fill me with your Spirit of peace who will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Help me to share your good news with others and spread your peace in the world. Help me to be a peacemaker who sows in peace a harvest of righteousness (James 3:18).
The shield of faith
The shield of faith is the fourth piece of the armor of God. It represents God’s faithfulness that is the basis of our faith. Paul says: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). He also says: “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16).
The shield of faith helps us to resist the attacks and temptations of the enemy. The enemy is called “the tempter” (Matthew 4:3) who tries to make us doubt God’s goodness and God’s power. He tries to make us question God’s promises and God’s plan. He tries to make us give up on God’s purpose and God’s calling.
To put on the shield of faith, we need to remember God’s faithfulness and rely on his power. We need to recall his past deeds and his present works. We need to claim his promises and his provision. We need to obey his commands and his guidance.
We can pray something like this:
Lord, I thank you for your faithfulness that is the basis of my faith. I thank you that you are not a man that you should lie, nor a son of man that you should change your mind (Numbers 23:19). I thank you that your word is true and your promises are sure (2 Corinthians 1:20). I thank you that you are able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to your power that is at work within me (Ephesians 3:20).
Lord, I ask you to help me to put on the shield of faith today. Help me to remember your faithfulness and rely on your power. Help me to recall your past deeds and your present works. Help me to claim your promises and your provision. Help me to obey your commands and your guidance.
Lord, I reject the attacks and temptations of the enemy. I renounce any doubt or unbelief in my heart. I declare that you are good, that you are able, that you are faithful, that you are with me.
Lord, I ask you to fill me with your Spirit of faith who will enable me to believe and not doubt (Mark 11:23-24). Help me to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Help me to live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).
The helmet of salvation
The helmet of salvation is the fifth piece of the armor of God. It represents God’s salvation that is our hope and our assurance. Paul says: “But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet” (1 Thessalonians 5:8). He also says: “Take the helmet of salvation” (Ephesians 6:17).
The helmet of salvation protects our mind from the despair and discouragement of the enemy. The enemy is called “the thief” (John 10:10) who tries to make us lose our joy and our confidence in God. He tries to make us forget our identity and our destiny in Christ. He tries to make us think that we are hopeless, helpless, and worthless.
To put on the helmet of salvation, we need to remember God’s salvation and rejoice in his grace. We need to thank him for saving us from sin, death, and hell. We need to celebrate his gift of eternal life and his guarantee of heaven. We need to affirm our identity and our destiny in Christ.
We can pray something like this:
Lord, I thank you for your salvation that is my hope and my assurance. I thank you that you have saved me by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). I thank you that you have delivered me from the domain of darkness and transferred me into the kingdom of your beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). I thank you that you have given me eternal life and a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (John 3:16; 1 Peter 1:3).
Lord, I ask you to help me to put on the helmet of salvation today. Help me to remember your salvation and rejoice in your grace. Help me to thank you for saving me from sin, death, and hell. Help me to celebrate your gift of eternal life and your guarantee of heaven. Help me to affirm my identity and my destiny in Christ.
Lord, I reject the despair and discouragement of the enemy. I renounce any sadness or doubt in my heart. I declare that you are my joy and my strength, the lifter of my head (Psalm 28:7; 3:3). I declare that I am a new creation, a child of God, a citizen of heaven, a co-heir with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17; John 1:12; Philippians 3:20; Romans 8:17).
Lord, I ask you to fill me with your Spirit of hope who will fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in you, so that I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). Help me to set my mind on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). Help me to look forward to the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).
The Sword of the Spirit
The sword of the Spirit is the sixth and final piece of the armor of God. It represents God’s word that is our weapon and our authority. Paul says: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). He also says: “Take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).
The sword of the Spirit enables us to fight back against the enemy and his schemes. The enemy is called “the adversary” (1 Peter 5:8) who tries to resist us and oppose us in our walk with God. He tries to hinder us from doing God’s will and fulfilling God’s purpose. He tries to make us compromise, conform, or quit.
To put on the sword of the Spirit, we need to use God’s word and speak God’s word. We need to study God’s word and meditate on its meaning and application. We need to memorize God’s word and quote it when we face resistance or opposition. We need to declare God’s word and pray it with authority.
We can pray something like this:
Lord, I thank you for your word that is my weapon and my authority. I thank you that your word is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). I thank you that your word is powerful and effective, accomplishing what you desire and achieving the purpose for which you sent it (Isaiah 55:11).
Lord, I ask you to help me to put on the sword of the Spirit today. Help me to use your word and speak your word. Help me to study your word and apply your word. Help me to memorize your word and quote your word. Help me to declare your word and pray your word.
Lord, I resist the enemy and his schemes by the power of your word. I rebuke any resistance or opposition in my heart or in my way. I declare that no weapon forged against me will prevail, and that you will refute every tongue that accuses me (Isaiah 54:17). I declare that greater is he who is in me than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
Lord, I ask you to fill me with your Spirit of wisdom who will teach me all things and remind me of everything you have said (John 14:26). Help me to handle correctly the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Help me to speak the word of God boldly (Acts 4:31).
A Prayer to Put on the Full Armor of God
Here is a summary prayer that you can use to put on the full armor of God:
Heavenly Father, I praise you for being my Lord and my Savior. I thank you for giving me your armor and your Spirit. I acknowledge your sovereignty and your love.
Lord, I repent of any sin or disobedience in my life. I confess my faults and ask for your forgiveness. I receive your grace and mercy.
Lord, I ask you to help me put on your armor today:
- Help me to put on the belt of truth, that I may not be deceived by the lies of the enemy or by my own feelings.
- Help me to put on the breastplate of righteousness, that I may live in a way that pleases you and reflects your holiness.
- Help me to put on the shoes of peace, that I may walk in harmony with you and with others.
- Help me to take up the shield of faith, that I may quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
- Help me to wear the helmet of salvation, that I may have the assurance of your love and protection.
- Help me to wield the sword of the Spirit, which is your word, that I may speak it with authority and use it as a weapon against the enemy.
Lord, I yield myself to you today. I surrender my will and my ways to you. I trust you to work all things together for my good and your glory.
Lord, I expect you to answer my prayers according to your perfect timing and purpose. I believe that you are able to do immeasurably more than I can ask or imagine.
Lord, I rejoice in your presence and your peace today. I celebrate your goodness and faithfulness in my life. I share your praises with others and testify of your grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Words of Conclusion
The armor of God is a powerful metaphor that teaches us how to live victoriously in our spiritual warfare. By putting on the armor of God, we are not only protecting ourselves from the enemy’s attacks, but also proclaiming our faith in God and his promises. By praying through the armor of God, we are not only applying God’s word to our lives, but also aligning ourselves with God’s will and his ways.
I hope this blog post has helped you to understand and appreciate the armor of God and its significance for our Christian walk. I encourage you to pray through the armor of God every day, or whenever you feel the need to put on the full armor of God and be strong in the Lord.
May God bless you and keep you, may he make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, may he turn his face toward you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26). Amen.
