Suit Up: How Putting on the Armor of God Transforms Your Prayer Life
Let’s be real—daily prep is a non-negotiable. Whether it’s skincare, makeup, or throwing on your favorite hoodie, we all have rituals to help us step into the day with confidence. For me, it wasn’t until recently that I ventured into the world of makeup. It took 38 years and a lot of YouTube tutorials to figure out how foundation and contour could elevate not just my look but my confidence. The layers weren’t just for appearance—they were intentional, each one serving a purpose to refine and protect.
And that got me thinking: how often do we give the same care to preparing ourselves spiritually?
The Apostle Paul doesn’t mince words in Ephesians 6:11-18. He calls us to “put on the full armor of God” so we can stand strong in the face of life’s battles:
PUT ON the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD, that you 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… Therefore, TAKE UP THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND.
Ephesians 6:11-13 (EMPHASIS HOLY SPIRIT)
Here’s the thing: just like a well-layered makeup routine can make you feel polished and protected, spending time in prayer to “put on” the armor of God prepares you for the spiritual battles that come your way. This isn’t just a quick verse recitation—it’s an intentional layering of faith, truth, and strength through prayer.
Armor in Action: Layering Prayer with Intention
When Paul tells us to put on the armor, he’s not talking about a one-time event. This is a daily ritual—a commitment to protect yourself against doubt, fear, and anything that threatens to shake your faith. It’s not just about wearing the armor but owning it, living in it, and letting it empower you.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with TRUTH, having put on the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of PEACE; above all, taking the shield of FAITH with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of SALVATION, and the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the WORD OF GOD; PRAYING ALWAYS WITH ALL PRAYER ANS SUPPLICATION IN THE SPIRIT…
EPHESIANS 6:14-18 (EMPHASIS HOLY SPIRIT)
Here’s how to suit up, piece by piece, with purpose and prayer:
- The Belt of Truth
Ground yourself in what is real and unchanging. Truth is the anchor that keeps you steady when life feels chaotic. In prayer: “Lord, let Your truth guide me and give me clarity in every decision I make today.” - The Breastplate of Righteousness
Protect your heart and intentions. This isn’t about perfection but aligning your desires with God’s will. In prayer: “Father, cover my heart with Your righteousness. Keep me grounded in what is good and true.” - The Shoes of Peace
Step into every situation with stability and resilience. Peace doesn’t mean passivity; it’s strength in calm. In prayer: “God, prepare me to walk in Your peace, no matter what challenges I face.” - The Shield of Faith
Faith shields you from negativity and doubt. It reminds you that God’s promises are bigger than life’s struggles. In prayer: “Lord, strengthen my faith so I can block out fear, doubt, and discouragement.” - The Helmet of Salvation
Protect your thoughts and mindset. Salvation is your identity—it defines who you are in Christ. In prayer: “Jesus, guard my mind and help me focus on Your truth and love.” - The Sword of the Spirit
God’s Word is your offense and defense. It’s your weapon for fighting lies with truth. In prayer: “Holy Spirit, empower me to speak and live according to Your Word.”
Make It Personal: A Prayer to Start Your Day
Whether you’re a seasoned prayer warrior or just starting to build your spiritual routine, prayer is how you activate the armor. Here’s a sample prayer to help you begin:
Father God,
Thank You for providing me with everything I need to stand strong today. I ask for Your strength and guidance as I put on the full armor You’ve given me. Let Your truth anchor me, Your righteousness protect me, Your peace steady me, and Your faith shield me. Guard my mind with Your salvation and fill me with the power of Your Word. May Your Spirit guide every step I take. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
From Routine to Resilience
Getting spiritually prepared isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Just like makeup routines require practice, putting on the whole armor of God takes time and dedication. Some days you might nail it, and other days it might feel rushed—but every layer counts.
As you start this practice, ask yourself:
- Am I intentionally equipping myself to face today’s challenges?
- Which “piece of armor” do I feel least prepared to wear?
- How can I carve out time to make prayer a consistent part of my morning routine?
Challenge: Take Five Minutes
This week, set aside five minutes each morning to intentionally pray through the armor of God. Start small. Speak each piece into your life. Let it become part of how you prepare, not just for the day ahead but for life’s bigger battles.
In upcoming posts, we’ll unpack each piece of armor in more detail—what it means, how to pray through it, and how it transforms your spiritual walk.
Let’s build a community of spiritual strength together. Drop a comment below with your favorite prayer routine or what part of the armor you’re focusing on this week. Let’s stand strong, fully equipped, and ready to face whatever comes our way.