S (Scripture) – Ephesians 6:12-13 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”
O (Observation) – Lord, I see that You are warning us that behind every circumstance we face in this life, there is a spiritual issue behind it. If someone is struggling with an addiction, there is more to it than just mere physiology and brain chemistry. If someone is having an affair, there are serious spiritual undercurrents to that person’s emotions and lustful desires. Yes, depression is a very real physical condition – but there are spiritual components as well.
A (Application) – As we pray for ourselves and others, it is critical to recognize that praying for the spiritual issues at the root of the problem is the key to overcoming and walking in victory. What emotion is the person feeling? Name it. When was the first time that emotion was experienced? Recall it. What lie is the person believing? Say it. Immediately renounce the lie for what it is, and replace it with God’s truth. Proclaim that truth over the situation, and receive God’s grace to overcome it.
P (Prayer) – Oh, Heavenly Father, how many of us are struggling with issues in our lives today that have been plaguing us since childhood? We try as we might to deal with them in our own fleshly ways, but the foundational elements of the battle cannot be won apart from You and the victory You make possible for us. Help us, Lord, to recognize behind every issue the spiritual battle that is being fought. Give us the grace we need to become more than conquerors in Christ Jesus as You have promised (Romans 8:37).