Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Welcome to this Bible study.
As we know, Satan is our primary enemy. The Bible tells us that he prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). This means that we are always a target of his attacks, and it’s important to stay alert. This “devouring” represents both spiritual destruction (through temptations, sins, and false teachings) and physical harm (such as sickness, emotional turmoil, and despair). It is crucial to recognize that the enemy does not only attack when we sin but can attack us at any point, even when we are trying to live righteously.
There are several ways through which Satan brings attacks, both physical and spiritual. These can manifest as physical illnesses or spiritual struggles, like being tormented by evil spirits, experiencing fear, doubt, or various weaknesses. If you notice these symptoms in your life, it’s likely that the enemy has launched an attack against you.
The Bible reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that
“our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Here are some of the major doors through which Satan attacks people:
Adultery and Fornication
The first and most significant door that Satan uses to destroy people’s lives is adultery and fornication. This sin is even more destructive than witchcraft.
1 Corinthians 6:18 warns,
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
Sexual sin is not just a physical act; it is a sin against our own bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). When someone engages in sexual immorality, it’s like they are declaring that their body is a house for unclean spirits. This door is wide open for demons of any kind to enter.
Other doors through which the enemy attacks include witchcraft, idol worship, unforgiveness, hatred, and even murder. Matthew 15:19 also tells us that
“out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” These actions are gateways for spiritual and physical destruction.
Now, you might be thinking that you don’t engage in adultery, witchcraft, or idol worship. You might not drink or kill. You might be doing your best to live according to God’s Word, yet still feel like you’re under attack.
If that’s the case, then there’s another door through which Satan might be attacking you that you might not even realize—and that door is the lack of prayer.
The Power of Prayer
The prayer we’re talking about here is not the kind where someone prays for you, like when a pastor lays hands on you. No, we’re talking about your personal prayers—those moments when you connect with God on your own, asking Him about your life and the lives of others.
Philippians 4:6 says,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
” And these prayers should not be rushed; they should last at least an hour. Not once a week or month, but daily.
Satan has deceived many people into thinking that once they’ve accepted Jesus as their Savior, they don’t need to pray often. They believe that because they are covered by His blood, they don’t need to pray every day. But don’t be fooled! Even though Jesus was perfect, He prayed often and with great passion.
Hebrews 5:7 tells us,
“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.”
And Jesus Himself said:
Luke 22:46
“Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
Think of prayer like bathing. A person who bathes daily is reducing their risk of sickness. But someone who refuses to bathe but continues to eat well and brush their teeth might seem healthy for a while, but eventually, the lack of hygiene will catch up to them and bring sickness.
In the same way, a person who doesn’t pray but simply reads the Bible or avoids certain sins might feel spiritually healthy for a time, but the enemy will find an opening.
1 Peter 5:8-9 reminds us to “
be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Resist him, standing firm in the faith.” Without prayer, it becomes difficult to resist the enemy, and spiritual attacks can catch us off guard.
But when you combine reading the Word, avoiding sin, and praying diligently, it’s like someone who eats well, bathes regularly, and maintains their health. Such a person is less likely to fall ill spiritually or physically because they have closed all the doors to attack.
Matthew 26:40 “
Then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Could you not watch with Me for one hour?’ He asked Peter.”
41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Self-Reflection on Your Prayer Life
So, if you’re still struggling with spiritual attacks, take a look at your prayer life. Ask yourself: when was the last time you prayed for at least an hour?
James 4:2 says, “
You do not have because you do not ask.”
You might not be committing sins like adultery or witchcraft, but if you’re neglecting your prayer life, that’s where the problem lies.
Even if you haven’t seen the consequences of not praying, know that they are coming. Hosea 4:6 says, “
My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.”
When we lack the spiritual discipline of prayer, we leave ourselves vulnerable to attack. Don’t wait until things get difficult before you start praying. Begin to fix this today, and you’ll see the difference in your life.
May God bless you abundantly.
Maranatha!