13-18 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

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16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,(A) with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.(B) 17 Take the helmet of salvation(C) and the sword of the Spirit,(D) which is the word of God.(E)

18 And pray in the Spirit(F) on all occasions(G) with all kinds of prayers and requests.(H) With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying(I) for all the Lord’s people.

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