Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Ephesians 6:13-18

Dear God, thinking about verse 18, I’m getting better at praying consistently for others, but I could be so much better still.

I guess there are different categories for organizing those for whom I need to pray. There’s family for whom my wife and I pray together every day. Then there are friends, but I usually focus on specific needs here instead of praying for them proactively. There’s the work you have given my wife and me to do. There’s our church and it’s leadership (this is point where I start to fail). There’s are the churches in our community. There are community issues and leaders. Then there are the leaders in our state, country and world. Then there’s just the good old, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”

Father, help me to truly strap on my armor every day and become better about more comprehensive prayer. Goodness knows there are enough things to pray over in our world and country. But for now, as I type this, I very earnestly pray that you Kingdom will come and your will will be done here on earth.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen