Prayer as the Only Way to Apply God's Armor

 

Prayer as the Only Way to Apply God's Armor

Rom 3:22 "The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe"

Heb 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please him"

Heb 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword"

Eph 6:19 "And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel"

1 Thess 5:17 "Pray without ceasing"

 

Armor Component	Biblical Reference	Meaning & Rationale	How to Apply Through Prayer	Practical Examples	Related Detailed Scripture
Belt of Truth	Eph 6:14a	Meaning: Honesty and integrity, making God's truth the foundation of life, constraining words and actions Rationale: The belt is the foundation of armor, securing other equipment; truth is the foundation of Christian life	Through prayer, seek God's illumination to know and hold fast to truth, constraining behavior and thoughts with truth	When facing temptation, pray for God's wisdom to discern right from wrong, rejecting the deception of lies through truth	John 8:32 "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" John 17:17 "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth"
Breastplate of Righteousness	Eph 6:14b	Meaning: God's righteousness protects our hearts, enabling us to stand before God Rationale: The breastplate protects vital organs; God's righteousness protects our conscience and inner being	Through prayer, put on Christ's righteousness, reject sin, and confirm our righteous standing in Christ	When conscience is accused by Satan, through prayer confirm our justified position in Christ and receive peace	2 Cor 5:21 "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God"
Gospel of Peace Shoes	Eph 6:15	Meaning: Preparation and readiness for evangelism, always ready to share God's love Rationale: Shoes enable walking and fighting; the gospel enables us to proclaim God's salvation	Through prayer, ask God to open doors for evangelism and grant courage and wisdom to reach people	Pray for God to prepare listeners' hearts and grant appropriate words and opportunities to proclaim the gospel	Rom 10:15 "How are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'"
Shield of Faith	Eph 6:16	Meaning: Faith in God as protection, resisting Satan's attacks and doubts Rationale: The shield is a defensive weapon; faith can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one	Through prayer, exercise faith, trust in God's promises and power, declare God's faithfulness	When facing difficulties and illness, through prayer strengthen trust in God, resisting attacks of doubt against God's love	1 John 5:4 "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith"
Helmet of Salvation	Eph 6:17a	Meaning: Assurance of salvation protects thoughts and mind from Satan's accusations Rationale: The helmet protects the vital head; assurance of salvation protects our thoughts and mind	Through prayer, confirm salvation, receive renewed strength, guard thoughts and mind in Christ's peace	When Satan accuses "you don't deserve salvation," through prayer reaffirm the assurance of salvation and God's love	Rom 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" John 10:28-29 "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand" Matt 4:4,7,10 Jesus used "It is written" three times to overcome temptation
Sword of the Spirit	Eph 6:17b	Meaning: God's word as a spiritual offensive weapon, actively defeating the enemy Rationale: The sword is the only offensive weapon; God's word has power to overcome all dark forces	Through prayer, receive and apply God's word, declare truth with God's word, defeat temptation	Like Jesus when tempted, through prayer quote God's word "It is written" to defeat Satan
Prayer  (7th Component)	Eph 6:18	Meaning: Prayer is the only means and decisive method for using God's armor Rationale: Spiritual warfare requires spiritual methods; armor comes from God and can only be obtained and used through prayer	Various prayers: Praise, thanksgiving, petition, intercession, confession, etc. Constant prayer: Continuous communion with God In the Spirit: By the Spirit's power and guidance Watchful persistence: Constant perseverance, never slacking	Daily: Daily put on armor through prayer During temptation: Immediately pray and apply appropriate armor Before service: Pray for preparation, seek God's presence Intercession:  Pray for all saints to put on armor	Eph 6:18 "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints" Luke 18:1 "And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart"

 

Core Truth Summary:

Element	Content
Nature of Warfare	Eph 6:12 "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places"
Why It's the Only Way	1. Spiritual warfare requires spiritual methods; human strength is ineffective 2. Armor's source is God; can only be obtained through prayer 3. Holy Spirit is the power source; must cooperate through prayer 4. God's word needs to be received and applied through prayer
Assurance of Victory	Rom 8:37 "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us"
Practical Command	Eph 6:11,13 "Put on the whole armor of God...Therefore take up the whole armor of God"

 

Practical Implications:

• We cannot rely on human strength and wisdom for spiritual warfare
• Every time we face temptation, difficulty, or service, we must first put on armor through prayer
• Prayer is not optional but the only path to victory

Conclusion:

 Prayer is not just part of the armor, but the only means for using all armor. Without prayer, we cannot effectively put on or use any component of God's armor. This is the key truth for Christian victory in spiritual warfare.

 

*Please refer to the 2025 Memorial Day Blending Conference, the general topic: Preparation of the Bride, Chapter 6 The Bride as a Group Warrior