Prayer to Stay Alert

The whole armor of God is just that, armor to protect against the evil that will come at us each and every day. That armor is described in Ephesians chapter 6. By putting on the armor, we are able to walk through this world knowing that when something comes at us, we are left to completely fend for ourselves. There is one part that may not get its due when we referencing the armor of God and the protections that come with that armor, and that is prayer.

“¹⁸praying 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,” — Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)

There is a saying used in the sport of American football as well as other sports, “keep your head on a swivel”. This saying references to stay alert as anything can happen so be aware. Paul’s words above speak to this directly. It is important that even as we put on the armor of God, we have to stay alert and prepare for anything that may happen. We have to ready ourselves for battle and that means understanding that we cannot know all that will happen. We have to be alert and adjust to that which we are presented.

Prayer is our way of preparing. Getting in the right frame with God in the morning and at all times as Paul states in verse 18 above will allow us to keep alert to what might come.

No, we will not be able to avoid all negative events that come. We will not see it all before it attacks us. That is the reason for the armor of God. In American football, even being alert for what might happen one wears the equipment to protect when we miss something. The armor of God gives us protection when we miss something. It allows us to take the hit and then fight back.

In my walk of Christianity, I get up each morning and put on the armor of God and then pray for guidance through this world. I pray to align with God and stay alert to what might come and be prepared for the battle ahead. I will miss some things and hence the reason for the armor to protect when the hit comes, and then I am given the chance to call on God for His assistance in overcoming.

What are you doing to prepare? Are you just putting on the physical protection? What if you were to pray to stay alert in addition to wearing the armor of God?