Question: Should I "pray on" the armor of God?

Question: In Ephesians:6:11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
See All..., Paul says to “put on” the armor of God. A few nights ago [someone] said she "prays on" the armor of God. This reminded me of when I was a teenager and our church youth group taught us to put on the armor of God by "praying on" the armor of God (for example, you put on the helmet of salvation by praying on the helmet of salvation, and so forth). I know in verse 18 Paul talks about praying in the spirit but is verse 18 telling us to “pray on” the armor of God? Is that even biblical? I did a little online research and could not find anything related to my question other than an overwhelming support for "praying on" the armor of God (with a few prayers even already spelled out). Something just seemed a bit off to me about this, but I want to be a Berean because the Word of God is so important to me.

Response: To begin, the Scriptures tell us to "put on the whole armor of God," not to "pray on" the whole armor. If the inspired Word of God tells us to "put on" the "whole armor," it must be there to "put on." In fact, each element is explained by Paul.

When Paul wrote his epistle to the Ephesians, he had the example of a fully equipped Roman soldier before him, which he clearly used in a metaphorical manner to illustrate the spiritual warfare we face every day.

As you pointed out, there are quite a few who teach believers to “pray on” the armor of God every day. While prayer must always be a priority, we need to be aware that “praying on” the armor of God may become a rote prayer or methodology. We have seen one positive confession advocate who has done so, and in a recent column admitted their inability to stop the negative thoughts clouding their thinking.

Ephesians:6:10-20 [10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; [15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: [18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; [19] And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, [20] For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
See All... is a battle call. Praying for our understanding and putting on the armor. We still need to put it on. Satan, our opposition, is real. He and his forces want to damage our faith, to bring confusion and discouragement. But our Lord has already won the victory.

Further, God calls us to pray at all times (Ephesians:6:18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
See All...). And prayer is the key to winning the spiritual battle. But this prayer is not reciting a methodology, but an active life of prayer. Ephesians:6:18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
See All... tells us to be “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

Again, we are not simply to “pray on” the armor but to “put on the whole armor of God.” Then and only then do we walk out the door to enter the battle, which is simply life in a corrupt world. Ephesians:6:17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
See All... tells us to take up “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” That requires action on our part, and Paul certainly urged us to be faithfully in the Word.