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Paul describes the Armor of God in Ephesians 6. A visual application for children and adults alike, we “put on the full armor of God to take [our] stand against the devil’s schemes.” Life is a battlefield and we are in a spiritual battle.
Four times in the span of the same number of verses (Eph. 6:11-14), we are encouraged to stand. We are then provided the tools with which to build our spiritual armor and stand against all of what Satan throws our way.
Verse 18 may not be considered an official part of the armor, but I suggest that if we are going to prepare to stand, we must first kneel.
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18
How many times do we see a reference to prayer or a command to pray in that one verse immediately following the description of the Armor of God?
How effective is the Armor of God without prayer?
Prayer is the glue that holds the armor together and that holds us together when we are in the throes of battle.
What are you battling today? Have you lifted it in prayer to God?
Let’s get ready for battle and start our day with prayer.
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At the end of June 2009, while IRSM Board President, Katie Forbess, and her family were serving as missionaries in Cochabamba, Bolivia, a group of teens and four adults were on their way to a Spirit-filled weekend at church camp. Along the way, the driver lost control and the bus rolled about 100 meters down the side of the mountain.
News was scarce at the beginning and the church was in shock as they learned that three people had died in the accident and others were in critical condition. But they didn’t know any names and rumors were rampant.
The mother of a missionary coworker, Sharla Marcum, called Katie to find out how her son was doing or to see if she had any news. At that point, they didn’t know specifically whether or not her son, missionary Josh Marcum, had survived the accident.
A short way into their phone conversation, Sharla, without preamble or asking permission, began to pray over Katie.
Katie recalls, “Her words impacted me. She had called in the hopes of receiving good news and comfort, but instead used her words to comfort and empower me. She empowered me to pray over others who were processing this incident in the days and months that followed. And she inspired me to never hesitate to pray over someone – in a moment of crisis or joy, trial or triumph.”
Thank you, Sharla Marcum, for empowering Katie through your prayer that memorable day.
And now, Katie and I invite you to take the initiative and pray over someone today. Not only will you give them a tangible reminder that they are being lifted before the Father, but you will also inspire them with the empowering nature of prayer.
(Sharla’s son, Josh Marcum, did survive the bus accident. Three young ladies, Belen, Diana, and Ariana passed away in the accident.)