May 2025 – Spiritual Protection, for us, our churches & our community.
2 Timothy 1:7, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Be strong in the Lord
God has provided for our protection in our trials and challenges. In Christ, we have been perfectly equipped for guaranteed victory. Our strength and power come solely from the Lord. This month we are gathered to pray to strengthen our own and our mutual spiritual protection.
Put on the full armour of God
We are told to put on the full armour of God in Ephesians 6: 10-18
The belt of truth.
The breastplate of righteousness.
Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace
The shield of faith.
The helmet of salvation.
The sword of the spirit.
This means we are covered and we can stand together and shield and support each other through life’s challenges and trials.
When Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians, he was writing while under house arrest with an armed guard always nearby. As we pray through these pieces, we consider the original inspiration for Paul’s analogy and application to ourselves, churches and community.
The belt of truth
“Sanctify them by the truth; your Word is truth” (John 17:17).
For the soldier, the belt held everything together and allowed for confident movement. Our protective belt is God’s truth revealed in scripture. Let us pray for release for us and others who are holding onto fear, anxiety, anger, insecurity, jealousy, pride, unforgiveness, or bitterness.
Breastplate of Righteousness
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor. 5:17)
The breastplate was made of leather or bronze and this piece protected the soldier’s vital organs against arrows from the enemy. Do you feel attacked,
insecure or uncertain in your life or work? Let us pray for confidence for us and our people of who we are in Christ.
Feet shod with readiness from the gospel of peace
“My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.”
(Ps. 17:5)
Peace with God prevents us from slipping and allows firm footing as we walk with Jesus. Let us pray for our collective stand, firm in God’s promises.
Shield of faith
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor. 5:7) The Roman soldier’s shield was massive and covered with leather that had been soaked in water before battle to help extinguish the fiery arrows that were shot. We raise our shield of faith as we choose to know, believe, and trust God’s word over the arrows the enemy shoots – e.g. Lies, Deception, Doubt, Guilt etc. Let us pray to see our personal, church and community circumstances and challenges through faith.
The helmet of salvation
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
(John. 8:32)
The soldier’s helmet left very little of his head exposed. Salvation in Christ forever offers the ultimate protection for our mind against the enemy’s attacks. Let us pray for reinforcement of our certainty and those we know of our salvation in Christ and the firm standing we have in Him.
The sword of the spirit
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” 2 Timothy 3.16 Our weapons may be unseen, but the most powerful tool is the divine power God ordained and God-given, we look to Him as our Source.
In conclusion can we recall an area of challenge e.g. fear, and God’s word to unleash divine power to extinguish the fiery darts we, our churches and community are facing.
Almighty God, as we pray for protection in this world, help us to remember the security we have in You and Your promises and
remember that You have already won the battle. May we live in freedom and the hope from Your Word and truth, confident of Your victory in through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.