“Deliver us from evil”.
If you are a entertainment buff, you know this to be the name of at least two movies and three books. But if you have ever prayed the model prayer, you will recognize this to be our very last request: “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13).
We’ve read it, memorized it and quoted it, but why do we need to pray it?
Well, look at just a few of satan’s strategies:
Tempts – “to test one maliciously, craftily to put to the proof feelings or judgments; to try or test one’s faith, virtue, character, by enticement to sin” (Mark 1:13; 1 Corinthians 7:5).
Steals – “to remove, to carry off, carry away with one, to take away from another what is his or what is committed to him, to take by force” (Mark 4:15; Luke 8:12).
Binds – “to bind, fasten with chains, to throw into chains – metaphorically satan was said to bind a woman bent together by means of a demon, by taking possession of the woman and preventing her from standing upright.” (Luke 13:16).
Enters into – “to take possession of the body of a person” (Luke 22:3; John 13:27).
Demands – “to demand of for torture or punishment” (Luke 22:31).
Fills one’s heart – “to flood, diffuse throughout one’s soul” (Acts 5:3).
Destroys – “to ruin” (1 Corinthians 5:5).
Takes advantage – “to gain advantage of another; to overreach” (2 Corinthians 2:11).
Disguises – “to change the figure of, to transform” (2 Corinthians 11:14).
Torments – “to strike with the fist, give one a blow, to treat with violence” (2 Corinthians 12:7).
Hinders – “To cut into progress, to impede one’s course by cutting off his way” (1 Thessalonians 2:8).
Works signs – “Works efficiently with superhuman power in unusual occurrences and deceitful miracles” (2 Thessalonians 2:9).
Deceives – “to lead away from the truth, to lead into error” (Revelation 12:9).
Prowls – “To make one’s way, to make due use of opportunities” (1 Peter 5:8).
Seeks to devour – “to seek by thinking, meditating, reasoning, enquiring into, to plot against by swallowing up and destroying” (1 Peter 5:8).
Speaks lies– “to utter a voice or emit a sound of conscious and intentional falsehoods – perverse, imperious and deceitful precepts” (John 8:44).
Murders – “manslayer” (John 8:44).
I’m not halfway through the listing before I want to ask for protection. What about you? So beginning today, let’s regularly ask the Father to rescue us from this predator of our soul.
Holy Father,
Thank You for opening my eyes to see the maneuvers of the evil one. I’ve been negligent to ask for Your protection, even though You have faithfully guarded me in so many ways. I realize You have built a sturdy barricade around me and my family just because I’m Your child (Job 1:10). When the evil one asks permission to breach this wall, please tell him no and cast him violently away from Your Presence (Luke 10:18).
You’ve given me authority to refuse evil in what I can see (Titus 2:11-12; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8). I ask You to reject satan’s requests on my behalf in what I cannot see (2 Thessalonians 3:3). Thank You not only from rescuing me from the domain of darkness (Colossians 1:13), but for also being my daily Deliverer as I ask for it (2 Corinthians 1:10-11). May I serve You boldly without fear (Luke 1:74). In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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