Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. ~ Ephesians 6:10-20
What are the things that make up your armor? The things that protect you from the forces of evil or darkness or temptation?
For many it is their church community or their friends or family.
I might be reading devotions or taking part in a Bible Study.
Sometimes it is in helping others or giving way to someone else when it would be just as easy not to. Biting our tongue when words of anger want to spill out.
For the Apostle Paul, a good place to start with that armor was in prayer and supplication. Supplication is the kind of prayer when we ask or beg God for things: for healing, for happiness, for material things or dreams to come true. It is when we ask God for ourselves, or for other people.
So here, I think a good way to describe what Paul means by prayer, is something more akin to meditation.
In supplication we are speaking to God.
In prayer, we are listening to God.
A good relationship requires both. And it is in good relationships that we find the best protection.
Take some time to sit in stillness with God.
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