Deliver Us From the Evil One: Praying in the Invisible War
Last time, we looked at our need for daily protection: “Lead us not into temptation.” But there’s a flip side. While we plead for help against inner weakness, we also face real enemies without—spiritual forces that oppose God and His people.
That’s why, after detailing the armor of God in Ephesians 6, Paul urges believers to “pray at all times” (Eph. 6:18), echoing 1 Thessalonians 5:17. In a battle we cannot see, quiet, persistent prayer is our lifeline. This is not passive retreat—it is active resistance.
Let’s look more closely at how prayer functions as our warfare.
Deliver Us from the Evil One: Why Prayer is Critical in Spiritual Warfare
Jesus knew the true enemy was not political, but spiritual. So He taught us to pray—not occasionally, but dependently and persistently. In Scripture, prayer is the primary means of standing firm (see Matt. 26:41; Col. 4:2 for starters). Through it, we resist deception, draw on divine strength, and remember the battle is His, not ours.
1. Prayer Is How We Fight the Invisible War
Prayer is spiritual combat. In the invisible war against the evil one, prayer keeps us in constant contact with our Commander. Without it, we fight with fleshly tools that fail. “Praying at all times in the Spirit” empowers the armor of God—it’s how we stand firm.
2. Jesus Taught Us to Pray for Daily Deliverance
“Deliver us from the evil one” is a daily cry of dependence—just like asking for bread, forgiveness, and help in temptation. Jesus knew we’d need protection not once, but every day. He prayed for it (John 17:15), modeled it (Matt. 26:41), and invites us to humbly do the same.
3. Staying Alert in Prayer Is a Spiritual Discipline
Staying alert in prayer means watchful, persistent intercession—like a soldier guarding his post. It’s a call to spiritual vigilance, guarding our hearts and standing in the gap for others. We don’t drift or doze; we persevere. The devil doesn’t take breaks, so neither can we. Prayer sustains the armor of God.
4. Prayer Unites the Body of Christ in Battle
Prayer is not a solo effort—it’s a shared weapon in a shared war. “Deliver us” reminds us that spiritual battle is communal. As we pray for all the saints, we stand together, not alone. Your prayers may uphold another’s faith. In Christ’s body, intercession becomes a lifeline of grace.
Standing Firm in the Battle Through Prayer
Because we are living in the midst of an invisible but real spiritual war, Paul exhorts us to pray at all times with all prayer and supplication. Prayer includes all of life’s conversation with God—adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and petition. Supplication zooms in: earnest, personal cries for help. This reflects both our reverent worship and our rawest need.
Here are some ways we can stand firm in the battle through prayer:
Start your day in active dependence. Praying Ephesians 6:10–18 first thing or asking the Lord to “deliver us from evil” is one way we remind ourselves of spiritual realities. Ask Him to protect your heart, mind, and relationships, especially in moments you know you will be tempted.
Write out one lie you’re tempted to believe or name spiritual threats in your life. Pray for the light of God’s Word to combat it (cf. Matt. 4).
Pray through a Psalm each morning, turning its themes into your own prayers (e.g., Psalm 27: “Teach me your way, O Lord…”). See some of these posts for deeper study.
Make a “Supplication List.” Write 3 urgent personal needs and 3 needs of others. Pray them daily for a week. Revisit them to track God’s faithfulness.
Set a spiritual “watch post.” Choose a consistent time (midday, evening) to stop and pray for 5 minutes. Use a timer or reminder.
Text or email one intercessory prayer each week to a friend or even better, someone in ministry. Let them know you’re praying for them.
And what are “battle prayers” focused on? Paul’s requests also gives us a hint:
Pray for wisdom, grace, and clarity in communication, whether sharing the gospel, teaching Scripture or conversations at work or home to reflect Christ’s love and truth.
Ask God for timely words, clearly and kindly spoken, so your message is clear, truthful, and gracious and represents biblical values.
Request discernment to speak humbly yet boldly about matters in a way that points others to Christ, not yourself.
Pray for courage to speak openly and fearlessly about your faith, even if it’s unpopular or misunderstood in your circles of connection.
Ask God to remove anxiety, timidity or the fear of rejection that hinders your witness or leadership as you stand for the truth.
Pray for boldness to live out your convictions authentically, rooted in dependence on the Spirit, as you show Jesus through your words and actions.
Pray for faithfulness in hardships or sufferings, trusting God even when you face limtations that could hinder your witness.
Ask God to use your trials for His glory and to demonstrate His sustaining power and hope to others.
Pray for strength to remain steadfast, trusting God would open doors for ministry and opportunities even in difficulties where you feel limited.
We may not be in chains as Paul was, but we all are ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20), representing Him in varying challenges. Though we face real spiritual battles daily, we need not be afraid, defensive, or hostile. Instead, we want to be sensitive and conscious to the opportunities we constantly have to serve others and point them to Christ.
Let’s Pray
Whether you’re praying for yourself or others, let us be faithful to pray daily and continually. As we persevere in prayer, remember it is a posture of trust—not striving—and God’s timing and power sustains us.
Lord, grant me wisdom, grace, and clarity to communicate Your truth in ______________ (context). Please give me timely words that are clear, kind, and reflect Your love.
Help me discern when and how to speak boldly yet humbly about ______________ (topic). Remove my fear, anxiety, or timidity that hinders my witness.
Strengthen me to live authentically for You, especially through hardships like ______________ (trial). Use my struggles to display Your glory and open doors for ministry. Amen.
