Here’s a two-voice setting of Ephesians 6:10-20, the suggested epistle reading for Proper 16 B (the thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost).
Readers’ Theatre
Ephesians 6:10-20
One: A final word:
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on all of God’s armor
so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
Two: For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies,
but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world,
One: against mighty powers in this dark world,
and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Two: Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor
so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.
Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
One: Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth
and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
Two: For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News
so that you will be fully prepared.
One: In addition to all of these,
hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
Two: Put on salvation as your helmet,
and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
One: Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.
Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Two: And pray for me, too.
Ask God to give me the right words
so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan
that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.
I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador.
So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
