It is through prayer that spiritual strength and the armor of God go to work. In theory, the prayerless Christian can be strong and wearing all the armor but never accomplish anything because he fails to go into battle through prayer. So often we just don’t pray because we are simply overconfident in our own abilities.
But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. – 2 Thessalonians3:3-5
We can battle spiritually not only on our own behalf, but also on the behalf of others. A soldier isn’t only concerned for his own safety, but he feels an instinct to protect and to battle on behalf of others. There are brothers and sisters in Christ all around the world who need your prayers! There are friends and family who are in trials and tribulations at this very moment and we have been called to pray and fight for them.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. – 1 Peter 5:6-9