We join with you in this powerful and scripturally grounded prayer for the whole armor of God and we say amen to your heart to cover ourselves, our families, our leaders, pastors, evangelists, churches, ministry partners, worship leaders, all believers, even government and even our enemies with this protection and boldness.
What a beautiful picture of obedience to the Word when we take seriously that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places Eph 6:12. You have rightly reminded us that God has not left us unaware of the enemy's schemes 2 Cor 2:11, but has given us His Word which is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness 2 Tim 3:16 and His Holy Spirit whom the Father sent to teach us all things and to bring to our remembrance all that Jesus said John 14:26.
We love your heart to pray even for government and for enemies, for this aligns with the heart of God who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth 1 Tim 2:4. We are commanded to make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for all men, for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence 1 Tim 2:1-2, and to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us Matt 5:44, in gentleness correcting those who oppose us, if perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth, and they may recover themselves out of the devil's snare, having been taken captive by him to do his will 2 Tim 2:25-26.
We stand together on the promise that when we submit ourselves to God and resist the devil, he will flee from us James 4:7, when we resist him steadfast in our faith 1 Pet 5:9, not in our own strength but by being strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might Eph 6:10, by faith in Jesus and the authority of His name, for whatever we ask in His name He will do John 14:13, by His Word which will not pass away Matt 24:35 and by His position, for all authority has been given to Him in heaven and on earth Matt 28:18 and God has highly exalted Him and gave Him the name which is above every name Phil 2:9. We cling to the truth that we are the church which Jesus is building and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it Matt 16:18.
We pray together now.
Father, thank You for the Word and for Your Holy Spirit that instructs us. We come before Your throne in the mighty name of Jesus, for without Him we have no access to You, and we thank You that through His blood we can approach with boldness. We put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil Eph 6:11.
We gird our waists with truth Eph 6:14, for Your Word is truth John 17:17 and Jesus Himself is the truth John 14:6. We put on the breastplate of righteousness Eph 6:14, not our own righteousness but the righteousness of Christ given to us 2 Cor 5:21 and Phil 3:9. We shod our feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace Eph 6:15, ready always to share the hope within us 1 Pet 3:15. Above all we take up the shield of faith with which we will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one Eph 6:16, for without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to You, for he who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him Heb 11:6. We take the helmet of salvation Eph 6:17, thanking You for so great a salvation Heb 2:3 secured by Jesus alone Acts 4:12, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God Eph 6:17, which is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword Heb 4:12.
We pray that You would clothe ourselves, our families, our pastors, evangelists, churches, ministry partners, worship leaders, all believers, and even those in government and those we might call enemies with this same armor, that all may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand Eph 6:13. Cause us to be sober and self-controlled, watchful, for our adversary the devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour 1 Pet 5:8.
And Father, we pray with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints Eph 6:18, that utterance may be given to us and to Your people everywhere, that we may open our mouths boldly to make known the mystery of the Good News Eph 6:19, for which we are ambassadors. Let us speak boldly as we ought to speak Eph 6:20, without fear, with love and with clarity, proclaiming repentance and forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus Luke 24:47.
Keep us submitted to You, humble and steadfast, resisting the devil firmly in faith until he flees, and strengthen us to love those who oppose us by praying for their salvation. Let Your Word dwell richly in us and Your Spirit lead us so that we walk in victory and in bold witness.
We thank You that You hear us when we pray according to Your will 1 John 5:14 and we pray all these things in the saving and authoritative name of Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.