The Armour of God Recently someone viewing this web site, wrote to me and stated, "May our Lord and Saviour guide you in your efforts and place His armour on you securely. I believe you will need it." "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." (Matthew 6:7) Many churches teach that you need to pray daily to "put on the whole armour of God". This, as so many other things that pastors and theologians "teach", is usually contradictory to that which the word of God actually states and this they must do, it seems -- to "teach Christians how to be Christians." Many years ago I received a prayer written by a very well known "television pastor and Bible teacher"entitled, 'Putting on the Full Armour.' It began with the words, "Good Morning Lord. Thank you for assuring me of victory today...". I read the prayer, and although I was very familiar with that which the Apostle Paul had written to the church at Ephesus, I never felt compelled to say this "prayer" every day...Why? Paul is telling this church (of baby Christians) that these are the attributes of their faith: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation. And he likens these attributes to that of the various pieces of a suit of Roman armour so that they would be able to easily understand how they "may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil". Will Satan attack Christians -- especially those very new to the faith? Yes! you better believe it. But should you have to "pray" to place this invisible armour on each day -- or is it something that "should" be there all the time?

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"
(Ephesians 6:10-18)

Apparently a church "theologian" got confused one day in somehow connecting verse 18 with the verses that preceded it. No where does Paul tell the church to "pray" for this armour each and every day. He does tell the church at Rome to "cast off" sin and "put on" the armour of light (Romans 13:12). This is a one time action that "should" be the hallmark of your person as one who follows the Lord in...truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation, EVER PRESENT...to include "the sword".

"...the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart,..."
(Deuteronomy 30:14)