Some Christians are scared of spiritual warfare. But there is no need to be afraid because God has promised to protect and provide for us. So, we can say spiritual warfare prayers with the full assurance that God will help us no matter what we’re up against.

Spiritual warfare is a normal part of being a Christian in this world. If you’re facing spiritual opposition, it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. In fact, it often means that you’re on the right path when the devil is actively resisting you. As you draw nearer to God’s will for you, Satan will often try to interfere.

Even Jesus faced spiritual warfare. The Bible tells us that he was “led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1). Satan then tried to get Jesus to sin by offering him food, power, and glory. Each time he was tested, Jesus fought the devil off by quoting Bible verses at him. Then, in the end, “the devil left him, and angels came and attended him” (Matthew 4:11). 

If you’re interested in spiritual warfare prayers, you can follow Jesus’ example and use the Bible as your guide. There are verses and even entire chapters of scripture devoted to this topic. Remember that the whole Bible is even referred to as the Sword of the Spirit, and it will help you fight off any spiritual attack. The two main passages of scripture that I turn to when facing spiritual opposition are the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18 and all of Psalm 91. I’ll walk you through how these Bible verses can be used as powerful prayers.

Spiritual Protection: The Armor of God

I was first introduced to the Armor of God in Sunday School. We had a coloring page where we drew armor on a little cartoon drawing of a boy. Something tells me I didn’t fully grasp the message as a first-grader! It was many years later that I returned to this passage and began to discover the depth of its meaning. 

Now, when I am facing a spiritual battle, I pray through the six items in the Armor of God: belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword. I imagine God giving me those weapons and helping me use them to overcome whatever evil I’m up against. 

This passage of scripture starts with this encouragement: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6:10-13),

Then it outlines the Armor of God. As I read through each description, I pray over that item and imagine God putting it on me:

• The belt of truth buckled around your waist. Dear God, Please reveal the truth about my situation. Help me to see through the devil’s lies. May your truth surround me and protect me. May my thoughts, words, and actions be based on your truth. 

• The breastplate of righteousness is in place. Holy One, Being in this battle makes me feel vulnerable. I need your protection. Please strengthen my heart to face this fight and cover all my failings with your perfect righteousness.

• Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Father, Sometimes fear makes me want to run away and hide. I ask you to grant me your peace that passes all understanding. Only then will I be calm enough to keep moving forward in this battle.

• The shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Lord, When the battle gets really heavy, I can’t even trust my thoughts. Everything is swirling and confused in my head. Please shield my mind. Help me to keep my thoughts focused on you. Don’t let the devil bring me into a state of confusion. 

• The helmet of salvation Abba, I know my ultimate safety is with you. No matter what happens in this world, I am assured of eternal life in heaven with you. Thank you for the gift of salvation. 

• The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God God, I’m so grateful for the Bible. Your word is full of wisdom and encouragement. Please help me to memorize your holy words. Then in moments of fear or terror, I ask that you will help me remember verses that speak into my situation. Please write your words on my heart. Amen.

Spiritual Warfare Prayer: Psalm 91

When I am under attack, I often turn to Psalm 91. I like to open my Bible app and listen to this chapter read by a man with a deep, strong voice. It soothes me and calms me. So, I encourage you to take the time to do that right now. Let that psalm be your prayer to God. 

This chapter reminds us that we are not fighting our battles alone. It says that God shelters us, covers us with his feathers, and is our refuge and fortress. Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine God physically protecting you. 

Psalm 91:11 also tells us that God “will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (verse 11). Close your eyes again and picture all of those angels surrounding you. Sometimes when you don’t have the words to pray, remembering images from scripture can be a great source of comfort. 

Psalm 91 ends with a beautiful promise to cling to when you feel under attack: “‘Because he loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him’” (Psalm 91:14-15). May that verse remind you how very much God loves you and that He will never leave your side. Keep calling out to Him with spiritual warfare prayers and trust that He hears and will answer.