Deliver Us from Evil

“… And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
— Luke 11:4 NKJV

We pray, “deliver us from evil,” because temptation is real. We need God’s help to resist the enemy’s schemes. However, we should walk in obedience to God and never invite evil spirits from the devil to tempt us.

Why We Should Avoid Temptation

Scripture says, “Stay alert! Therefore, watch out for your great enemy, Satan, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT).

Why would you walk into the brush in search of a lion? By all means, stay away. He could pounce from the brush. No matter how much of the Bible you know, you will struggle to defend yourself if you encounter a lion.

We should pray fervently that God spares us from any encounter with evil and wicked people. Jesus faced temptation and warned His disciples, “Pray that you do not enter into temptation.” We too can find strength in prayer.

If we are disobedient, we will be tempted. Therefore, we should always pray that God will deliver us from evil.

What Does “Deliver Us from Evil” Mean?

The phrase “deliver us from evil” is a humble request for God to rescue us from sin, temptation, and the evil one. In Matthew 6:13, many Bible translations render the phrase as “deliver us from the evil one,” which highlights the personal nature of Satan’s opposition. The Greek wording behind the phrase conveys the idea of being rescued from evil, so this prayer teaches us to depend on God for protection rather than trusting in our own strength.

How Satan Uses Our Weaknesses

Satan’s strategy is to exploit our vulnerabilities. He does not follow rules, and he knows precisely where we are weak.

He uses three primary tactics: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). Understanding these tactics helps us resist temptation.

He tempts us in the flesh by pointing to our natural desires. Then he suggests that we satisfy those desires in selfish ways. In Genesis 3:1-6, Satan tempted Eve with her natural desire for food.

But he made her think God was withholding something from her. Eve’s desire for food was not wrong. Satan exploited that desire. It became sin when she gave in and disobeyed God.

As you go about your day, be on high alert for Satan. Like a thief, he gives no warning of his approach. Prevention is always better than a cure.

Throughout the day, remain vigilant. Pray that you are not tempted. When we pray, “deliver us from evil,” we are asking God to protect us, strengthen our obedience, and keep us from the evil one.

A Prayer for Protection

Before you move on with your day, take a moment to ask God for protection. Let this prayer help you submit your heart to Him, resist temptation, and trust Him to deliver you from every form of evil.

Father God, I choose obedience to Your Word today. Lead me in righteousness and keep me from temptation. Deliver me from evil, seen and unseen, known and unknown. Break every chain, surround me with Your favor, and guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.