Using and combining Shields of Faith in Prayer

The Roman Empire as the troops marched toward battle, they used full-length shields which were somewhat curved. Several feet in length, the soldiers could find protection behind this curved shield (see picture below).



Now, the shield was most effective when combined with the shields of the other soldiers. On the front line, each soldier would put their shield edge to edge, forming a wall. The soldiers behind the front line would lift their shields above their heads, linking their shields end to end with the others, creating a kind of roof (see picture below).


With such protection, enemy arrows would indeed find it difficult to penetrate the fighting force. Thus protected, the army could advance and overtake their enemy with few casualties.

The shield of faith is a vital addition to the armor of God. But how is it used? What is its significance to our lives? Why does the Apostle Paul use the words “above all”?

Everyone has some level of faith, whether that faith is in God or self or anything else. It is that faith which enables us to move forward with life. For example, you have faith in your car and your driving ability. Therefore, when you get in your vehicle, you believe it will continue to run until you get to your destination, and you believe your own ability is good enough to get you to your destination safely. If you didn’t have this faith, you would never start out on your journey.

Faith in an unfailing, omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent God enables us to move from day to day, knowing He will be with us and see us through whatever it is we must face. But Paul talks about a shield of faith. How does this time into the overall theme of faith?

As we combine our Prayer Shields of faith, God will bring the victory.