The believer’s spiritual armor is well known to students of Scripture (Ephesians 6:10-18). Six pieces of armor are mentioned, but prayer is often overlooked (verse 18). To see why Paul included it, we must remember the theme of this section: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (verse 10).

This whole section of Paul’s letter is about being strong in the Lord—and spiritual armor is definitely a part. But his concluding exhortation about prayer is also a part of the protection we need against the schemes of the devil (verse 11). This is evidenced by Paul’s own request that the Ephesian church pray for him that he would be fearless and courageous in proclaiming the Gospel while imprisoned in Rome (verses 19-20). He made the same request for prayer to the church in Rome on another occasion when he was headed for likely persecution in Jerusalem (Romans 15:30-31).

Should we clothe ourselves daily in the spiritual armor of God? Absolutely! But do not fail to include the protective power of prayer.

Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees.
William Cowper