
Stand and Pray Pt. 2
In this continuation of the message on spiritual warfare from Ephesians 6:10–20, Pastor Ortiz emphasizes the critical need for believers to not only stand strong in the Lord but to activate their spiritual armor through earnest, consistent prayer.
The sermon begins with a reminder that the battle Christians face is spiritual—not against flesh and blood, but against powerful forces of darkness and spiritual wickedness. Paul calls believers to put on the “whole armor of God” so they can withstand the attacks of the enemy. Pastor Ortiz walks through each piece of the armor—not as mystical items, but as real spiritual disciplines essential to the Christian walk: truth, righteousness, readiness to share the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God.
However, the focus of the message pivots to verse 18—prayer. Pastor Ortiz explains that without prayer, even a fully suited Christian warrior is powerless. Prayer is the power that activates the armor. Just as communication is crucial in a marriage or relationship, it is vital to maintain intimacy with God. Prayer strengthens discernment, courage, and faith, and it helps us stay prepared to share the gospel boldly.
Using practical illustrations and personal stories, he challenges the congregation to build a real prayer life—not just routine or surface-level requests, but deep, honest, Spirit-led communication with God. Sometimes prayer will be bold supplication, other times silent groaning when words fail. Regardless of form, it must be constant and Spirit-filled.
The sermon concludes with a reminder that prayer doesn’t need to sound perfect—it needs to be real. As believers deepen their relationship with God through prayer, they’ll find strength for battle, clarity in truth, and power to live boldly for Christ.