As we wrap up the “Weird Things” sermon series this Sunday, we will learn what it means to put on the full armor of God. To prepare your hearts and minds for church, I want to invite you to meditate on this passage over the weekend. I thought it might be best to “lectio” our way through it in a similar format as our daily Personal Worship (P.R.A.Y: Pause, Rejoice/Reflect, Ask, Yield).
PAUSE
Let this song direct your attention to God’s kingly power and authority:
PRAYER OF APPROACH
In your own words, ask God to make His Word alive to you; ask Him to show you what He wants you to know today through the reading of His Word.
REJOICE
Rejoice in the armor God has given you! As you read the following passage, listen for a word or phrase that jumps out at you. If something catches your attention, make a mental note of it but keep reading. There will be time to analyze why that word or phrase jumped out in the next reading. For now, just see what you notice.
Read: Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly 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 firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
REFLECT
After you have identified a word or phrase that sticks out, read the passage again. This time, reflect on how that word or phrase you noticed may apply to your life.
Read: Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly 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 firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
ASK
PAUSE AND PRAY
Take time not only to ask Him those questions, but also for any personal needs, leaving plenty of space to listen for His answer.
YIELD
Read the passage one more time, asking God to reveal His invitation to you in that word or phrase. How does He want you to respond? What area(s) of your life do you need to yield to Him today?
Read: Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly 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 firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
YIELDING & CLOSING PRAYER
Consider what He has shown you in this passage and ask Him for grace to yield your life to His ways. Ask for faith and obedience. Pray for God to do great things in you and in the Church this Sunday!
The songs we will sing in church are linked below.
Your brother,
Ryan
Hope Darst, Jacob Sooter, Lauren Sloat CCLI Song #7244496 © 2024 TBCO Publishing; Just When Publishing; So Essential Tunes; Fair Trade Global Songs; Hope For The Best Songs; Remaining portion is unaffiliated CCLI License #692967