I recently wrote a blog post about personalizing the armor of God for yourself (see, “The Armor of God”). During my time of study this morning I was given some new insights which excited me and I hope will prove useful to you as well. The idea came while listening to Bruxy Cavey teach about using the morning ritual of getting dressed as a reminder to pray for certain things.
It clicked in my mind we could pray through putting on the armor of God as we actually put on our own clothing. I’m going to walk through this so you can see a practical example of what praying through putting on the armor of God might look like.
What we’re going to do is to pray as we put on each article of clothing as it corresponds to putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Your shirt = The Breastplate of Righteousness
As you put on your shirt or top, pray you would walk in purity and in ways honoring to Him. “Father, keep me pure today. Cover my heart with Your righteousness. Fill my entire being with Your Spirit so I might walk in Your ways. Keep me pure and unstained by the culture around me. Keep me from temptation so I might honor You. Drench me in the blood of Jesus so I might be perfect and holy in Your eyes.”
Your belt = The Belt of Truth
As I put on my belt, I might pray, “Lord, help me to know and live Your truth today. Let me speak only the truth and keep me from lies of any size or type. May my words be honest. Help me walk with integrity in Your footsteps. Help me demonstrate Your character in everything I say.”
Your shoes = Readiness for the Gospel of Peace
When you put on your shoes, pray to be ready to share the gospel of Jesus. “Father, I am willing to go wherever You send me. Give me opportunities to share the good news of Jesus with those I meet. Give me the words to say. Let me be compelling and winsome in ways that will speak to each person where they are. Make me ready to talk about you and to share your love. May the way I love proclaim your glory to those who don’t know You. Use me to draw others to You.”
Your coat = Shield of faith
You may need to get creative with this in warmer months. Perhaps it could be a watch or jewelry. The article is not important; the trigger is. So as you put on your coat or accessory, pray, “Jesus protect me from the attacks of Satan. When challenges come to my integrity, help me recall Scripture to ward off the attack. Keep me grounded in Your Word and in prayer so I may be able to withstand whatever Satan throws at me. Remind me I can do all things through You. You are stronger than any weapon forged against me and in You I have victory. Let me walk boldly into the battle today knowing my faith in You is bigger than anything I might face.”
Your hat, glasses, sunglasses = The Helmet of Salvation
As you place anything on your head, use it as a reminder to be thankful for your salvation. “Lord I thank You for saving me. Thank You for loving me and for walking with me every second of my life. My confidence is in You. My reason for living is to in some small way honor Your sacrifice on my behalf. I love You Jesus.”
Your purse or wallet = The Sword of the Spirit
A sword is not something you actually put on, but rather something you carry with you. As you pick up your purse or wallet, pray something like, “Lord, help me to recall Your words today. Make Your life real in mine. Help me to see others as You do and to cut through the noise and distraction of the day. Help me use Your Word to advance Your Kingdom, and help me aggressively pursue and conquer whatever you give me to do today.”
Putting On the Armor of God
Try this for yourself and see if it works for you. As you get dressed each morning, use each article of clothing as a reminder to pray for some specific aspect of putting on the armor of God. See if you don’t feel a little more prepared for your day, and a little bolder as you walk out your door. God can use the little mundane habits in our life to bring glory to Himself. Hopefully you will find this new way of looking at getting dressed as something that will help you focus your life on Christ each day.