teach, guide, enable

Our scripture verses for today point every one of us toward discernment in the things of the world…e-mails, the Internet, books, movies, magazines… The verses are: 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; 1 Peter 1:16; Romans 13:14; Ephesians 6:10-18.

Taken from the New Living Translation and strung together one after the other, they become a prayer we all need to consider daily:

Lord God, by you Holy Spirit

Teach us to use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. Teach us to destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. Help us capture our rebellious thoughts and teach us to obey Christ. — For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” Instead, may we clothe ourselves with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And stop thinking about ways to indulge our evil desires. — Help us to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Remind us to put on all of God’s armor so that we will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Guide us to put on every piece of God’s armor so we will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle we will still be standing firm.

Enable us to stand our ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, let us put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that we will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, give us the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Give us sure salvation as our helmet, and sharpen the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Holy Spirit teach us to pray through you at all times and on every occasion. Help us to stay alert and be persistent in our prayers for all believers everywhere.