Ephesians 6:10-20 (NRSV)
Read Ephesians 6:10-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Verse 11Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Verse 12For 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. Verse 13Therefore 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. Verse 14Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. Verse 15As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. Verse 16With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Verse 17Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Verse 18Pray 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.
Verse 19Pray 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, Verse 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.
Devotion
For years my youngest son has watched his older brothers play little league baseball and waited for his chance to join those who take the field. This year he was old enough.
Preparation for his first day of practice was comical. He went through a box of old shoes pulling out a pair of rubber spikes two sizes too large. He insisted on bringing his bat, catcher’s gear, and an old batting helmet that no-way fit his head. He made sure not a single piece of equipment was missing because, “you never know what you might need.” He was so excited he held no embarrassment as he approached his yet-unknown teammates.
Put on the whole armor of God. For Paul, this armor included truth and righteousness, the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit ...
May our prayer include the enthusiasm to play the game.
Prayer
Merciful God, prepare us for the witness we are called to make in you. Amen.