St. Paul: "Pray also for me"

In this Sunday's reading from Ephesians 6:10-20 Paul uses the imagery of an armed soldier to illustrate the fact that we are at war against a formidable enemy,

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." 

This selection ends with Paul reminding the Ephesians that there is one more weapon in the arsenal that he and they need before marching off to battle,

"Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak."

 When we pray for our bishops, priests, and deacons, pray that they too may be given a message to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel, that they might be men with chests, wearing the whole armor of God.

And priests, pray that your congregants might be similarly armed as they go out into the world proclaiming the Gospel!