Let me begin with a question: Do you include in your daily prayers a request for God to deliver us from the evil one?

When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, He didn’t just give them words—He gave them focused prayer priorities. Among them was this petition: “Deliver us from the evil one.” Why would Jesus include this? Let’s consider three reasons.

1. This prayer acknowledges the existence of the evil one.

Many people today dismiss or minimize Satan’s existence. A 2023 Gallup poll found that while 74% of Americans believe in God, only 58% believe in the devil. In Germany, that number is even lower—just 15%. Yet Scripture is clear: Satan is real and active. Revelation 12:9 tells us he has deceived the whole world, and Peter warns that he prowls about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).

By regularly including this sincere request in our prayers, we remind ourselves of this reality: we have an adversary, and only God’s divine power can protect us.

2. This prayer acknowledges the nature and philosophy of the evil one.

Ephesians 2:2 calls him “the prince of the power of the air”—a being who influences attitudes and behaviors all around us. His spirit of pride, self-exaltation, and desire is summed up in John’s words: “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16).

These temptations appeal directly to our self-centered tendencies. When we pray for deliverance from the evil one, we’re admitting our vulnerability and confessing our need for God’s help to resist.

3. This prayer acknowledges that God’s power—not ours—is needed.

To underestimate Satan is dangerous. But to overestimate ourselves is just as deadly. The battle against spiritual wickedness is not fought with human strength. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that we wrestle against principalities and powers of darkness.

Victory comes only through Christ living in us. As John wrote, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Jesus Himself assured us, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Daily prayer connects us to that strength.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming Day of Atonement points forward to the time when Satan will be bound and restrained from deceiving the nations (Revelation 20:1–3). What we pray for individually—deliverance from the evil one—will one day be fulfilled universally for all mankind.

Until then, let us never neglect the words Jesus taught us: “Deliver us from the evil one.” May it be a constant reminder of the enemy we face, the temptations we resist, and the divine power we depend upon.