Let us then look at prayer in the spiritual struggle. As already mentioned, we are all involved in a merciless spiritual struggle, whether we realize it or not. Prayer, in all its forms, is the weapon that God has given us to counteract the enemy's objectives, and to pave the way for the will of God to be fulfilled.

The part of the Bible that speaks of it especially is in Ephesians 6, from verse 13.

But before we talk about it, let's realize that the part dealing with this armor is in the last chapter of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians. Before coming to the subject of spiritual combat and armor, Paul devotes no fewer than five chapters to other subjects that must be understood before he goes into battle. One must always read the Bible in context. Many Christians, fascinated by spiritual struggle, open their Bible and head straight on Ephesians 6. But this epistle begins with chapter 1, which explains first of all our position in Christ. (Ephesians 1: 3-6, but I invite you to read the entire Epistle to the Ephesians.)

This part speaks about who we are in Christ. Before doing anything in spiritual struggle, we really have to recognize who we are in Christ. Otherwise, we will be swept from the first round !

Then, in the same chapter, and Paul insists on it in the second chapter, he announces on what basis we are accepted in him : grace. (Verses 7 and 8)

The two themes of our position in Christ and the grace by which all has been made possible are intimately linked in the following verses, 2: 1-8.

Then, in chapter 3, the apostle begins to explain the mystery of the Church and the unity of the Body of Christ. It continues in chapter 4 on our way of walking, and our behavior towards each other.

And then it goes on in Chapter 4 with the different ministries and the stability, progress and maturity of the Christian.

In chapter 5 he explains everything concerning authority, and submission, especially in the couple and how it works. And it is only after he begins to instruct us on the spiritual armor ...

You understand that if we do not know our position in Christ, if we do not realize that everything passes through grace, if we do not have the right behavior towards each other, Let us not understand or accept the different ministries which God has given, if we have not the stability, the march and the maturity of the Christian, and if we do not recognize authority and do not want to accept submission, Especially in the couple it is better not to engage in spiritual combat at all, because you will lose from the first shot ...

Tomorrow, then, we will see, to finish this course on prayer, the spiritual armor.

"Lord, help me to lay down good foundations in my life, to read and meditate all your Word, so that I may be equipped for this fight in which I am involved, and be victorious ! In the name of Jesus, amen !"

René de Groot