In the letter to the Christians of Ephesians , Paul writes that we must put on the whole armor of God. This is a spiritual act that we have to do every day to protect us. Inspired by Ephesians 6: 10-19, I have written a prayer. Originally written in Dutch.
The prayer
The Lord is my shepherd. He knows me and He loves me. In His perfect love there is no room for fear. No water can quench His perfect love, no river can wash away His love. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross for me. By His blood I am a child of God in the new covenant. God is faithful and will not allow me to be tested beyond my strength. He has plans to prosper me. My strength is in the Lord, in the power of His might.
My battle is not against flesh and blood, but against powers and the rulers of the darkness of this age. That is why I don’t ask help from people but from the Almighty One. I live in the world but I am not of this world and I don’t fight with weapons of this world. Today, I put on the whole armor of God. I gird my waist with truth. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. The Word of God is truth. And the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. I put on the breastplate of righteousness. It protects my vulnerable heart. Because of the precious blood of Jesus Christ, I am righteous before God. And for God I will do righteous deeds. In humble, devoted obedience, I commit myself to the gospel of peace. As sandals on my feet, I bring the peace of Christ wherever I go. I carry my faith in God as a shield. Arrows are fired at me by the wicked one, but my God who is my shield will ensure that they don’t touch me. I wear the helmet of salvation. It protects my thoughts and the Word of God in my head. Eventhough I am helpless, Jesus Christ, my Savior saves me. The sword of the Spirit, God’s Word, is the weapon in my hand. The Word of God is alive and powerful, it’s sharper than a two-edged sword. If God is for me, who can stand against me? Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirit. So that I can represent You today in this broken world. Let me be a light.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.