Being armored sounds, to some ears, too violent. It sounds as though we were doing battle instead of trying to live our lives in a way that reflects our faith and the love that God has placed within us. Though there are many battle images in the epistle canon, it is also possible to see beyond this. The first acknowledgement is that all that is offered here is defensive, designed to protect the wearer and the faith we live. The only offensive “weapon” is not our own, but God’s Word. So, it might be possible to see this as the security we need to continue to live our faith in a complicated and sometimes threatening world. We are not alone, not left to our own strength and wisdom, but we can call upon the wisdom and the strength of God as it is expressed and lived out in the community of faith. This is a call to be united and to look after one another as we journey together. Let us find comfort in this act of worship as we are reminded that God is with us always.

Opening Prayer

(based on 1 Kings 8, Ephesians 6:10-20)

Holy One of mystery and power,
there is no God like you
in heaven above or on earth below,
keeping covenant and steadfast love
with all who walk before you
with pure and upright hearts.
Fill our lives with your glory,
as you filled the temple with cloud
when Solomon first brought the ark
into your holy dwelling place.
Give us the strength and the power
to withstand the forces of evil
at work in our lives and in our world. Amen.

Adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2009, © 2008 Abingdon Press. Posted on the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/. Also posted: https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2012/08/opening-prayer-proper-16-b.html.

Put It On, Somebody!

(Litany based on Ephesians 6:10-20)

One: PUT IT ON, somebody! Put on God’s wardrobe.

Many: Put on God’s clothing, with its strength and its power.

One: PUT IT ON, somebody!

Many: Deck yourself out in God’s wear so that you can withstand wickedness.

One: PUT IT ON, somebody!

Many: Put on God’s threads so that you can fight the right fight; not against flesh but against foolishness in foul places.

One: PUT IT ON, somebody!

Many: Put on the belt of truth so that you can stand.

One: Put it on!

Many: Put on the jacket of righteousness so that you can stand.

One: Put it on!

Many: Put on those shoes of peace so that you can stand.

One: Put ‘em on!

Many: Take up that shield of faith to deny the destructive darts of the devil, and stand!

One: Take it up and put it on!

Many: Put on the hat of salvation so that you can stand. Take hold of that spiritual sword of the Spirit, and stand in God’s word.

One: Put it on!

Many: Clothe yourself with prayer, cover somebody else in prayer.

ALL: PUT IT ON, SOMEBODY. PUT ON GOD’S WARDROBE and STAND!

Joseph W. Daniels, The Africana Worship Book for Year B, Discipleship Resources, 2007, 97.

Prayer of Confession

(inspired by Ephesians 6:10-20)

Spirit of God, we confess that we put on airs more often than we put on the armor of God. We are guilty of girding ourselves with lies instead of the truth. We try to protect ourselves with arrogance, superstition, and self-reliance instead of righteousness, faith, and your gift of salvation. Our footsteps do not follow your path of peace. And we are quick to use your Word to attack one another, instead of striking out against the sins we personally commit. Forgive us, Holy God. Gift us with the wisdom and strength to change our ways, so that we may live as your faithful ambassadors of the Good News.

Written by Amy Loving. Posted on The Worship Closet website. Reposted on re: Worship, https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2012/08/confession-ephesians-6-10-20.html.

Prayer of Confession

(based on 1 Kings 8, Ephesians 6:10-20)

Mighty One of Israel,
we walk in paths well-trodden
by generations of fellow believers.
We love to claim you as our God
and to be known as your people.
We love to hear the great deeds of the saints
who went before us.
We love to count ourselves
in their mighty company.
Forgive our hesitancy
to build our own monuments
to your importance in our lives.
Forgive our reluctance
to put on our own armor of faith
as we face the powers of sin and death
in our own lives. Amen.

Adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2009, © 2008 Abingdon Press. Posted on the Ministry Matters website, http://www.ministrymatters.com. Also posted on re: Worship, https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2012/08/confession-proper-16-b_20.html.

Commission & Benediction

Go out, and make known the mystery of the gospel.
Keep alert and pray at all times.
Draw strength from God’s power
and so stand firm against all that would corrupt you.

And may God arm you with truth and righteousness;
May Christ Jesus give you words of Spirit and life;
and may the Holy Spirit draw you near to God’s presence
........and bless you with honor and grace.

We go in peace to love and serve the Lord,
....In the name of Christ. Amen.