Listen and Pray through Romans Ephesians 6:10-18

Click the button below to listen and pray through this passage. This practice will take about 12 minutes.

Prepare

As we prepare to enter prayer today, we pause to be still, to calm our racing thoughts and our unsettled spirit. We ground ourselves in God’s presence…recognizing that He is with us. We take a few deep breaths and focus our hearts on God.

Lord, I come into Your presence now. Quiet my thoughts, calm my heart, and open my ears to hear You. Let Your Word speak directly to me. Amen.

Today’s passage may be a familiar passage to you. Before we read it the first time, recognize that the Holy Spirit is reading alongside you. Ask him to give you fresh ears to hear and a willing spirit to receive. As you listen, listen expectantly for the Spirit to reveal new insights and truth through the Word for today.

Read

Ephesians 6:10-19

¹⁰A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ¹²For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

¹³Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. ¹⁶In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. ¹⁷ Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

¹⁸Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Listen & Reflect

Take another deep breath.
Let these words settle into your spirit.

Ask the Lord:
“God, what part of this do You want me to hear today?”
Pause. Wait. Let something stand out—maybe a word, an image, or a phrase.

Maybe it’s “be strong in the Lord”—do you feel weak? Maybe it’s “put on all of God’s armor”—are you stepping out unprotected? Maybe it’s “stand firm”—have you been shaken by something lately? Or perhaps it’s “pray in the Spirit at all times”—do you need to reconnect with prayer?

Wait and listen. God is present. He speaks gently.

Before you to the passage again, ask the Lord to search your heart. Is there an area where the devil has gotten a foothold, or even a stronghold in your life? Is there some action or some thought that you’ve been dwelling on that has started to take root in your mind and heart? Is there a lie that you’ve been adopting that’s beginning to shackle you? As we read, ask God to reveal the lies you’ve been listening to appeal for him to give you the power to break these chains and free you from the bondage brought on by the enemy.

Here are the tools and weapons God has given you to resist the schemes of the devil and the powerful lure of the world’s ways: Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation, The Word of God. Which of these do you need most today? Take a few moments to imagine God fully equipping you and empowering you to face whatever challenges and attacks may come your way today. Stay in this moment until you feel strengthened and prepared to enter the battle.

Verse 18 says, “¹⁸Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” So before we take this time of calm into our day, let’s pause to pray in the Spirit. Ask God to bring someone to your mind and heart who could use some power and protection today. Go to battle for them in prayer. After you’ve prayed for them, consider letting them know that they’ve been covered in prayer today.

Pray

Father God,

Today, I come to You needing Your strength.
Not my own, not what the world offers—but strength in You and in Your mighty power.
Clothe me now in the full armor You’ve given, so I can stand firm against every scheme of the enemy.

Wrap me in the belt of truth.
Let me walk in honesty, integrity, and the reality of who You say I am—not the lies the enemy whispers.

Put on me the body armor of righteousness.
Thank You, Jesus, that I don’t stand in my own goodness, but in Yours.
Guard my heart from guilt, shame, and accusation.

Fit my feet with the shoes of peace.
Help me to walk through today steady and grounded,
ready to carry Your Good News into every situation,
anchored in Your calm even when the world around me is chaotic.

Equip me with the shield of faith.
When fear flies at me like arrows, when doubts try to take hold,
remind me of who You are—faithful, good, present.
Let faith block every lie and extinguish every attack.

Place the helmet of salvation on my mind.
Cover my thoughts with the truth of what You’ve done for me.
Let Your rescue shape the way I see myself, my future, and this world.

And put the sword of the Spirit—Your Word—in my hands.
Help me not only read it, but live it, speak it, and stand on it.
Let Your Word be my guide and my defense.

Finally, Lord—teach me to pray.
Help me to stay alert, to be persistent, and to lift up not just my needs,
but the needs of those around me.
Make me a person of prayer—deep, real, constant prayer.

Thank You that I never have to fight alone.
You are with me, You are for me, and You have already won the battle.

In Jesus’ strong and victorious name,
Amen.