Armor /ˈärmər/ – Noun: Strong covering. From a biblical perspective, that which provides spiritual protection.
In the difficult and embattled world, how can we protect ourselves? Is it even possible? According to the bible, we can… with spiritual armor. The armor has a quality of light, and every piece of spiritual armor provides a distinct sort of protection:
- truth – a belt, keeps you centered (Isaiah 11:5)
- righteousness – a breastplate that protects your heart (Isaiah 59:17)
- peace – sandals that keep your path gentle and nonviolent (Ephesians 6:15)
- faith – a shield that can extinguish the enemy's flaming arrows (Psalm 33:20)
- salvation – a helmet of protection, keeping one's mind on God (Isaiah 59:16-17)
- spirit – a sword, the word of God (Isaiah 49:2, Psalm 149:6)
Jesus, when under spiritual attack in his thirty days in the desert after his baptism, answered every attack with a scriptural reference. Jesus knew scripture, and used it as a sword. We can follow Jesus' example, knowing scripture and spending time with God daily. And, when we find ourselves under attack, we can heed the advice of James, who teaches, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7).
Select Scriptural Reference to Spiritual Armor
- The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. – Romans 13:12
- Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; – Ephesians 6:10-20
- And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. – Isaiah 11:5And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; – Isaiah 49:2
- For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak – Isaiah 59:17
- Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand – Psalm 149:6
- Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. – Psalm 33:20
Irish Protection Prayers
According to Fr. Sean O'Duinn, the foremost scholar on St. Brigid, the Celtic folk had the most protection prayers of all, because they constantly felt under attack. Arguably the most famous is St. Patrick's Breastplate, also known as The Lorica. It invokes the protection of all God's armies, as well as God's creation, and Christ within, on all sides, and in all aspects of life [see discussion]. Our own S.H.I.P. methodology harkens back to St. Patrick and this prayer, spoken here, with imagery from the documentary film Ireland, The Celtic Way.
What are WebDefs?
WebDefs – simple definitions of key terms relating to ministry and healing arts – are a regular feature of NHM Ministrants. Offered (where applicable) in conjunction with select key scriptural passages and analysis, WebDefs can be a useful starting place for exploring a topic of interest.