Prayers For Strength in Spiritual Warfare

The Bible makes it clear that Christians are to put on the "armor of God" for protection against evil — but what does this really mean? Part of exploring and explaining these scriptural references in Ephesians 6 revolves around understanding the meaning of these biblical references as well as spiritual warfare prayers.

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Protection Against Evil: Armor of God

First, let's explore the roots of the "armor of God" language found in Ephesians 6: 10-12 (NIV). Those scriptures read:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Before we dive into our discussion about deep spiritual warfare prayers, let's understand what about the armor of God is being said in these verses. First, these scriptures tell us to be strong in the Lord, which means: rely on God, trust the Lord and seek His will for our lives.

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Beyond that, the verses tell us to put on the armor of God, which allows us to "stand against the devil's schemes." As the text goes on, it's clear that the real battle in life isn't against flesh and blood as we might assume, but that spiritual warfare goes deeper -- it's the battle against evil and darkness. It is the "spiritual forces of evil" that hold sway, and that should cause us to seek the armor of God.

Amber in "The Advocate" is well-versed in spiritual warfare as part of her job as a Child Protection Services agent. As she fights for children's protection, safety and health in various situations, she emulates the intuition, wisdom and courage it takes to stand up to evil forces and fight for goodness. Amber embodies what it means to put on the armor of God. She isn't afraid to stand up against authorities and challenge others to reconsider their initial conclusions for the sake of the Kingdom.

So, how do we respond to this reality? Through deep spiritual warfare prayers that focus on Jesus. Let's explore some possible prayers for protection!

Deep Spiritual Warfare Prayers

Armor of God Prayer: Individual Hearts

Let's explore one of the potential spiritual warfare prayers that we can say for ourselves as we deal with the chaotic world around us:

Lord, please protect me. The world around us is in chaos and hate is raging. Please fill me with the fruit of the spirit — with love, self-control and compassion. Please don't let me be consumed by the chaos and consternation. I pray for protection against evil so that I can live with goodness and truth and honor you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Armor of God Prayer: Invoking God for Friends/Family

Perhaps you're interested in stating spiritual warfare prayers for your friends or family. Here's a potential "armor of God" template to follow:

Lord, I ask for your protection for my friends and family [consider inserting specific names]. I pray that you protect these people as they navigate the chaotic world around us. Each morning, fill their hearts with Your love, care and compassion, and guide them toward Your plan for their lives. Lord, I think You for all You do for me, and I thank You for these people. Please help them stand against the devil's schemes. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Armor of God Prayer: Personal Struggles

Perhaps you're struggling with individual issues. If so, we have some spiritual warfare prayers worth stating. Often times, engaging in armor of God prayers can be helpful in seeking protection against evil and in staying the course on one's faith.

Outside of work, Amber in "The Advocate" also has her own personal struggles that also deal with spiritual warfare. We see her struggling with a strained relationship with her father and flashback to the spiritual warfare of grieving the loss of her mother at a young age. In both relationships, Amber has an internal struggle to do what is best for the relationship, making sure that she is able to spread love and charity.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) tells us (read the entire chapter on Biblica): "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

Considering that we know God can empower and protect us, here is a prayer worth considering:

Lord, I'm struggling with [insert issue]. The Bible tells us that that You are faithful and won't allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. I know You will provide a way out and I ask that You help me with these struggles. Please give me strength and guide me toward overcoming my struggles. I pray that You would protect me from evil. In Jesus' name, Amen.

And here's another of the spiritual warfare prayers you can say for others in need:

God, please help [insert person]. He/she is dealing with so much right now. Please help him/her overcome [insert issue]. He/she needs Your guidance and strength — the armor of God — to get through this difficult time. I know You are able to heal and help and I ask that You step in to do just that. I pray for the protection against evil for [insert name] and for his/her family members as they navigate these issues. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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Protection Against Evil: Defining the Armor of God

There's much discussion about the armor of God as it relates to spiritual warfare and what that really means. When we look at Ephesians 6, it's clear that this is much simpler than some might make it. Christians are called into a relationship with Jesus — a daily connection that involves prayer, Bible reading and the living out of the gospel.

This is how one ensures protection from evil, as the armor of God is put on daily throughout the lives of Christians. We hope that these spiritual warfare prayers help guide you in your times of need, and that this explainer provides guidance on these oft-times complex spiritual questions.

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Billy Hallowell

Billy Hallowell has been working in journalism and media for more than a decade. His writings have appeared in Deseret News, TheBlaze, Human Events, Mediaite and on FoxNews.com, among other outlets. Hallowell has a B.A. in journalism and broadcasting from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, New York and an M.S. in social research from Hunter College in Manhattan, New York.