Spiritual Armor

by John E. Thomas

We try to support those that pray for us a number of ways. We pray for them regularly, we try to communicate what is happening in the ministry, and we send little teachings and encouragements as a prayer focus. This is a prayer update from June 28, 2016. I thought that more people than our intercessors would be helped by it. I pray it inspires your prayer life for yourself and for those around you! If you would be willing to pray for John, Dawna, and the Streams Ministries team, click HERE to become a Prayer Partner!

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”—Ephesians 6:13

The Christian life is one of advancing God’s kingdom into every situation we find ourselves in. As we remove the enemies influence from bodies, minds, hearts, destinies, communities, workplaces, regions, and nations, he tries to put up a fight. That is okay, we were made for war! And God has already equipped us to be victorious. As you pray through these points include yourself, your family and friends that know Jesus, your church leadership and church family, and John, Dawna, and the Life Empowerment team! Pray that:

We would stand firm, hold to our convictions based on God’s truth and not compromise in areas of holiness and righteousness.

The belt of truth—that we would know the truth, have a Biblical worldview, understand the Scriptures, and value truth above opinion—ours or other people’s.

The breastplate of righteousness—that we would know we are covered in Christ’s righteousness by faith in His work and act according to that righteousness in all arenas of our lives, as Paul told the Philippians, “Working out our salvation with fear and trembling since it is God working in us to do and to will according to His good pleasure.”

Shoes of the gospel of peace—that we would be ready to share the gospel, and that we actually would. That we would “walk the walk” and not just “talk the talk”, that our preaching of the gospel would include our lifestyles and choices, not just words from our mouths.

Shield of faith—that we would have more faith in God to protect us than we do in the enemy to attack us. That we would keep a heavenly perspective, knowing what it means to be “prisoners of hope” (Zechariah 9) yet be honest about situations. That our view of God would be expanded and we would know His power, know His heart, and have full confidence that He rewards those that seek Him.

Helmet of salvation—that the reality of who we are in Christ, a new creation, would so completely change our mindsets that false identity, cultural pressure, and lies from the enemy would not affect our minds. Our thoughts of ourselves, God, and the world around us would be so formed by Scripture nothing would change our minds.

Sword of the Spirit—that a love for, and a knowledge of Scripture would permeate our lives so we could answer the devil’s temptations with the Word even as Jesus did. That we would have capacity for more Scripture knowledge, Scripture memorization, and Biblical understanding.

All prayer—that we would each have lives marked by prayer. That our first response to situations would be prayer. That we would cast all our anxieties on God and pray. That we would know the power of prayer and rely on it.

Perseverance—that in all of these things we would not be moved. That we would take a stand and not change even when it hurts to stand, that we would be found faithful.

When it comes to spiritual warfare, one thing you can be certain of—you can’t lose if you don’t quit. The end of the Book has already been written. Let us stand together, caring for one another, bearing one another’s burdens, loving one another, and fighting for each other and never against each other and may we see the kingdom explode in its influence around the globe in our generation!