Suit Up!

Daily Reading: Ephesians 6

Scripture Focus: Put on the whole armor of God. (Ephesians 6.11)

Devotional Thought: For our closing devotion of the year, I would like to share a prayer I have written that helps me to "put on the whole armor of God."

Father, thank you for the armor of God. I put it on today, that I might stand firm in you and in the strength of your might; that I may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

I put on the belt of truth in order to recognize the light of the Kingdom and the lies of Satan.

I put on the breastplate of righteousness to protect my heart from all wrong affections, my head from all wrong attractions, and my hands from all wrong actions.

Make me ready – having put on the shoes of readiness given by the gospel of peace– to share Christ’s love everywhere with everyone in every way. The gates of hell cannot prevail against your church!

I take up the shield of faith, for I know that my enemy – the devil – is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. But by faith in the name of Jesus, I shall overcome.

I put on the helmet of salvation. May it protect me from trusting in myself or in anybody or anything else besides you.

I pick up the sword of the Spirit – the very Word of God. May it become a part of my life. Change me by the power of your Word so that you may use me to change the world.

I commit to pray in the Spirit today, for all the saints with all kinds of prayers. Please help me to sense your presence and talk to you all day.

And finally, Lord, I pray for my pastor and for others in authority over the church that they may fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.

Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! 2 Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! 3 Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! 4 Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! 5 Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD! (Psalms 150:1-6)