Many people have expressed to me that they're very interested in developing their connection and communication with angels, but they also have fears about opening contact with the spirit realm. It's normal, healthy and wise to be concerned about encountering evil spirits--they do exist and do try to trick people. In 2 Corinthians 11:14, Paul writes, "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." It's important to take contact with the spirit realm very seriously--this is not a parlor trick or something to do for amusement. With that said, I would like to teach you the most powerful and effective spiritual protection prayer and visualization I know: The Armor of God.

The best way to protect yourself is described in Ephesians 6:11-18, where Paul writes about the Armor of God.

• The Belt of Truth: Satan is a great deceiver and that will be his first line of offense. He will try to trick you and will lie to you about yourself, your life, the people you care about, and worst of all he will try to lie to you about God and try to make you lose your faith.
• The Breastplate of Righteousness: Sin leaves us open to attacks from evil forces. While we are by nature sinful, we must always strive to avoid sin and live a holy life. Confess your sins to God daily to receive His forgiveness, and keep your thoughts focused on Him. Avoid temptation and be strong to the lures of the enemy.
• The Boots of Gospel Peace: Keep your feet firmly planted in the truth and you will feel at peace with God, and you can stand strong against Satan's attacks. Walk with the truth and you will not lose your way.
• The Shield of Faith: Trust and believe what God's Word says, and your faith will repel evil and temptation. Keep the faith in all areas of your life.
• The Helmet of Salvation: Remember that God's people will inherit the kingdom of heaven. Think of how glorious that will be! Keep your perspective on that future and the everlasting life that is to come. You are a beloved child of God, don't ever forget it!
• The Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God is your weapon against all evil. Study the scriptures and pray for discernment and understanding. Memorize scriptures as you study, and you can confidently use the Word of God to rebuke evil and defend yourself.

Visualize yourself putting on these articles of holy armor, and say to yourself as you put on the belt, "I am putting on the belt of truth. I know the truth about my God. He is a loving God. Suffering is the result of sin; my God does not cause sorrow or doubt. I know the truth about my God and evil cannot deceive me." See yourself putting on the breastplate and say, "I have confessed my sins to God and He has forgiven me. I strive to live a holy life each day. I will constantly endeavor to do better and I pray for strength to resist sin in my life. My righteousness will protect me from temptation." Next, mentally put on the boots and say, "I walk in peace with God and keep the gospel message in my heart. I will not lose my way and I will stand strong against evil." As you pick up the shield, say, "I have unfailing faith in God. He hears my prayers and answers them in the best way for me. I know God will always love me and protect me. I have faith in all His works." Put the helmet on your head and declare, "I am a beloved child of God! I will live eternally with Him in heaven. This life is short, and I will not allow it to bring me down into doubt and despair." Finally you pick up the sword and say, "I have the Word of God in my mind and heart. I know and remember what God says about evil and about the ways He protects His people. Like Jesus, I will defeat Satan with the Word of God, and I will be safe from all evil."

To put on the full Armor of God, you must be well acquainted with the Bible and have very strong faith. It will provide you with the ultimate protection, surround you with the love of God and fill you with the strength of God. There is no greater spiritual defense than this.