Guide to Prayer and Study for May 17

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20 (NRSV)

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. ¹¹Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. 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. ¹⁴Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. ¹⁵As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 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. ¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 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.

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, ²⁰for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.

The Word in Context

This letter is attributed to Paul, “an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,” and it is addressed “to the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Jesus Christ.”  However, it may well have been written by a disciple of Paul, and it may have originally been a “general letter intended for many churches” (HarperCollins Study Bible, p. 2192).

The “whole armor of God” is primarily defensive in nature. Its purpose is to help believers withstand the assaults against them and “having done everything, to stand firm.”

Reflection Questions

• What are you doing to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power?”
• What is  the 21st century equivalent of the “whole armor of God?”
• What throws you off balance? How do you regain your balance?
• For whom do you pray regularly? Who prays regularly for you?

Prayer

Lord, help us to stand firm–especially in times of challenge. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Tags: Church, Ephesians, Spiritual Warfare