As we bring this series of articles on the Christian and the battle he fights to a close, we need to examine one final piece of protection God provides in the armorment His soldiers wear. When studying the familiar "war text" of Eph. 6, students usually stop at v. 17. Indeed, God has given all we need to defend ourselves against Satan's onslaught, and He has provided a powerful offensive weapon - the word of God. However, stopping there stops one verse short of the full context.
Paul actually concludes his exhortation about being "strong in the Lord and the strength of His might" with some closing thoughts about prayer in v. 18. Technically, prayer is not a part of the armor because God cannot supply it; it must come from man. Yet, even when the disciple of Christ dons all the protective gear God supplies and wields the powerful sword of the Spirit, he knows he is still unable to defeat the devil without God's presence and help. That is where prayer enters the picture.
"Soldiers" like Schwarzenegger or Stallone would rebuff the notion of calling on a higher power for help. After all, when you're a fighting machine like them, who needs help? That is the difference between carnal warfare and the great battle for the soul.
The soldier in God's army knows his armor and sword alone will not be sufficient to make him victorious. Prayer admits we need God's help, and that we need God at our side if we are to win. Paul uses "prayer" (a general word for communicating with God) and "petition" (a cry or continuing plea for help). We're to "pray at all times in the Spirit" (congruent with His role in our prayers - see Rom. 8:26-27). And we're to be "on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints." A healthy prayer life shows humility on the part of the Christian. The N.T. clearly exhorts God's children to make this a staple of their everyday lives (cp. Phil. 4:6; 1 Thess. 5:17-18; Rom. 12:12; Lk. 18:1).
The battle lines are drawn. The enemy seeks your destruction. God has given your protection. He is ready to aid you. Will you win or lose this great battle for the soul?
