Prayers from Scripture

Armor of God Prayer

When Paul wrote about the armor of God, he was probably chained to a Roman soldier. He was under house arrest when he wrote Ephesians, and he could look across the room and see a belt, a breastplate, sturdy sandals, a shield, a helmet and a short sword. So he used what was in front of him to describe what a Christian needs to stand firm.

3 minute read

Many people pray through the armor each morning, “putting on” one piece at a time. It’s a good habit, as long as we remember Paul’s point: the armor is God’s, not ours. We don’t make ourselves strong. We stand “in the power of his might.”

Historical Context

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

Written: By Paul, traditionally during his imprisonment in Rome, about AD 60-62

Old Testament echo: Isaiah 59:17, God wearing “righteousness as a breastplate”

Notice that most of the armor is defensive. The only weapon is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” And Paul ends not with a battle cry but with prayer: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.”

The Armor of God Prayer

Heavenly Father, I want to be strong in you and in the power of your might.
I put on the belt of truth: keep me honest, and free me from lies.
I put on the breastplate of righteousness: guard my heart.
I put on the shoes of the gospel of peace: send me where you want me to go.
I take up the shield of faith: protect me from every fiery dart of the enemy.
I put on the helmet of salvation: guard my mind and my thoughts.
I take up the sword of the Spirit, your Word: let it be on my lips today.
And I pray in the Spirit at all times, for myself and for others.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

A Short Version for Busy Mornings

Lord, clothe me in your armor today:
truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation and your Word.
Let me stand firm in you.
Amen.

An Armor of God Prayer for Kids

Jesus, help me be brave today.
Belt of truth, so I tell the truth.
Breastplate, so I do what’s right.
Shoes of peace, so I am kind.
Shield of faith, so I trust you.
Helmet, so I remember I’m yours.
Sword, so I remember your words.
Amen.

Best Times for This Prayer

First thing in the morning, while getting dressed.
Before a hard conversation or a stressful day.
When you feel spiritually attacked or tempted.
With children on the way to school.

Scripture Connection

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:11

The goal in Paul’s picture is to stand. Not to charge, not to conquer, but to hold your ground when things push against you. The armor makes that possible, and it’s offered whole: you don’t have to earn it piece by piece.

Related prayers

For more on spiritual warfare, see the Daily Battle Prayer and Battle Plan for Prayer. For protection, the Prayer of Protection.

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About Stephen S. Griffin

Stephen S. Griffin is the pen name of the person who runs Guided by Prayer, a reference library of prayers. How the prayers are written and sourced.