Suiting up for the arena
I'm close to finishing Wild at Heart by John Eldredge. In the latest chapter that I just finished, there's a scripture passage prayer about our unseen spiritual armor. I've been letting the enemy into my heart for years, and I'm starting to see his damage.
This prayer spoke so deeply to me and to God through me, I thought I would share it here.
"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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist..." Lord, I put on the belt of truth. I choose a lifestyle of honesty and integrity. Show me the truths I so desperately need today. Expose the lies I'm not even aware that I'm believing. "...with the breastplate of righteousness in place..." And yes, Lord, I wear your righteousness today against all condemnation and corruption. Fit me with your holiness and purity -- defend me from all assaults against my heart. "...and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace..." I do choose to live for the gospel at any moment. Show me where the larger story is unfolding and keep me from being so lax that I think the most important thing today is the soap operas of this world. "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one..." Jesus, I lift against every lie and every assault the confidence that you are good, and that you have good in store for me. Nothing is coming today that can overcome me because you are with me. "...Take the helmet of Salvation..." Thank you, Lord, for my salvation. I receive it in a new and fresh way from you and I declare that nothing can separate me now from the love of Christ and the place I shall ever have in your kingdom. "...and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..." Holy Spirit, show me specifically today the truths of the Word of God that I will need to counter the assaults and the snares of the Enemy. Bring them to mind throughout the day. "...And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Finally, Holy Spirit, I agree to walk in step with you in everything -- in all prayer as my spirit communes with you throughout the day. (Ephesians 6:13-18)