Spiritual warfare is difficult and demanding. Our adversary is the second-most
powerful being in the universe. He is highly intelligent, endlessly clever, and
cannot be outwitted by human strength. Because of the devil’s schemes, we—as
disciples—desperately need what the Apostle Paul refers to in Ephesians 6:10-11
as the full armor of God to resist and overcome the dominion of darkness.
The armor of God is more than just protection; it is a revelation of God’s own
character. To put on the armor of God is, in essence, to clothe ourselves with God’s
own qualities.
What many English readers don’t realize is that nearly every “you” in the New
Testament is actually plural. With that in mind, it may be more accurate to
translate these passages as “you together.” This changes the picture: it’s not just
individual believers putting on the armor, but the body of Christ—working
together—that is able to resist Satan and overcome him.
Getting Started
Ephesians 6:10-17
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of
God, so that you (together) can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For
our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces
of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore (together) 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.
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,
● We confess that you are the way, the truth, and the life.
● We turn away from dishonesty and distortion.
● We renounce the devil who is the father of lies.
● Help us be truthful with ourselves and others.
● Deliver us from blindness that keeps us from seeing where we need to
change. with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
● Heavenly Father, we thank you that our relationship with you is based on
the righteousness of your Son, Jesus.
● Thank you for the perfect and permanent righteousness that you have given
us.
● We determine to honor your laws, to obey your Word and to do what is
right.
● In the name of Jesus, we resist the temptation to sin, to enter the wide gate,
to walk down the path of least resistance, to do what is wrong.
● You God, are our righteousness, and we choose to live in obedience to your
Word.
15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
● Loving Father, thank you that because of what Jesus has accomplished
through the cross, we can be at peace with you.
● We pray now for peace in our souls – for your peace – not the false and
temporary peace of the world. We pray for that peace that passes all
understanding.
● We pray for the strength and grace to be peacemakers with others.
● We forgive in advance those who will sin against us. Help us to respond in
love rather than react in anger.
● We resist the prince of darkness and the snare of strife.
● We place ourselves under the Lordship of the Prince of Peace.

16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish
all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
● Heavenly Father and mighty God, shield us with your power from the
flaming arrows of the evil one.
● Protects us from the enemy’s attacks (lies, doubts, fears, temptations).
● Help us to trust in you alone.
● We renounce our confidence in our own abilities and confess that unless
Jesus accomplishes it, everything we try to do in our own efforts is in vain.
● Help us to endure to the end in spite of whatever trials we are going
through, regardless of how long they last.
● Our faith, Lord, is in you. We declare that we are victors and more than
conquerors through Christ.

Take the helmet of salvation.
● Father, thank you for the salvation you have given us through your Son
Jesus.
● Give us discerning spirits so we can identify thoughts that don’t originate
with you.
● We resist and repent of ungodly thoughts that seek to influence and even
control us.
● We cast down every stronghold of wrong thinking: imaginations, pride,
self-pity, anger, and deceit.
● Give us sound minds that are controlled by your Spirit. Let the words of our
mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing to you.
And the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
● Jesus, we declare that the words you speak are spirit and they are life.
● Father, fill our hearts and minds with your Word.
● Help us wield your word against every lie and attack of the enemy.
● Give us timely and anointed words to destroy strongholds and counter the
attacks of the enemy.
● Teach us to speak your truth boldly and stand firm in every battle.
Adapted from How to Overcome the Darkness by Gary D. Kinnaman