​Protection. Scripture, reflection and prayer.

Ephesians 6:10-17

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Reflection. Spiritual battles require spiritual weaponry. How quickly we forget that we are involved in a spiritual struggle. We should not forget that we have placed ourselves on the front line. We are in harm's way. We have been joined to the forces of good. We have a very wiley enemy and we need the best of equipment to both defend ourselves and then go on the offensive.  Thanks be to God that there are no logistics issues with God.  St Paul makes it clear we have all we need available to us: truth, faith, righteousness, salvation, sword and word!  We are ready to proclaim the gospel of Peace.

Prayer. Lord God Almighty, Father, Son, Spirit, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, thank you that you are in charge if the battle. Thank you for equipping us to stand post. Amen.