Overcoming 3 Realms of Spiritual Warfare Through Prayer (Luke 10:19)

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“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19, KJV).
This verse comes after Jesus had sent out the seventy disciples, instructing them first to pray for laborers for the harvest (Luke 10:2). This shows that all spiritual work, including warfare against these dark forces, begins with prayer. Before using prayer as a weapon for engaging in spiritual warfare we must understand both our authority and the nature of the war we’re facing. Luke 10:19 acknowledges that Satan has power, but it also assures believers that the authority given by Christ is superior to all demonic forces. Therefore, the goal isn’t to become obsessed with the enemy’s operations but to be equipped for victory in Christ. As John wrote, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). In this post, we will examine these three realms of enemy power and how prayer is the key to victory.

Realm One: The Serpent
The serpent in Scripture symbolizes divination, which is responsible for satanic knowledge. This realm influences people through false wisdom, deceptive revelations, and counterfeit spiritual experiences. In Acts 16:16-18, Paul encountered a girl possessed with a spirit of divination in Acts 16:16-18. The Greek word for divination here is Puthōn, meaning python. In the ancient world, pythons were associated with the Oracle of Delphi, a demonic source of wisdom. This aligns with how the serpent in the Garden of Eden deceived Eve with counterfeit knowledge (Genesis 3:5).
How to Overcome Through Prayer
- Pray for discernment – Many are deceived by false spiritual experiences and teachings. Pray for the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom and discernment (James 1:5). “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1). Regular prayer for spiritual discernment helps us distinguish between true and false wisdom.
- Engage in warfare prayers against deception – Rebuke and nullify every form of false revelation in your life.
- Speak the truth of God’s Word – Counter deception with Scripture, just as Jesus did when tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11).
- Maintain a prayer shield: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance” (Ephesians 6:18).
Realm Two: The Scorpion
The scorpion represents witchcraft, which operates in the power dimension of the kingdom of darkness. Witchcraft is the manipulation of people, circumstances, and even nature through satanic power. In Exodus, Pharaoh’s magicians used dark powers to mimic God’s miracles (Exodus 7:11). The purpose of witchcraft is to control and oppress. It thrives on intimidation, fear, and manipulation. Jezebel, a notorious practitioner of witchcraft, used her influence to control Israel and persecute God’s prophets (1 Kings 19:1-3).
How to Overcome Through Prayer
- Break every curse and enchantment – Declare that no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
- Cover yourself with the blood of Jesus – The blood of Jesus is our divine protection (Revelation 12:11).
- Pray for spiritual boldness – Like Elijah, confront the forces of darkness with confidence in God’s power (1 Kings 18:36-39).
- Declaration Prayers: “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Regularly declare Christ’s finished work.
- Binding and Losing Prayer: Jesus gave us this authority in Matthew 18:18: “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
- Corporate Prayer: “And when they heard that, they lifted their voice to God with one accord” (Acts 4:24). There’s amplified power in unified prayer against witchcraft operations.
Realm Three: The Dragon or the Owl
The third realm, sorcery, is linked to satanic wisdom and occultic knowledge. While the Bible does not explicitly assign a specific animal to sorcery, two strong symbols emerge. One, the Dragon – In Revelation 12:9, Satan is called “the great dragon.” The dragon represents counterfeit wisdom and supernatural deception (Revelation 12:9). Two, the Owl – In Isaiah 34:14-15, owls are associated with desolation and demonic presence. The owl represents hidden occult wisdom, often used in secret societies and esoteric teachings. Sorcery is the trading of satanic wisdom for personal gain. Many turn to Satan for guidance regarding their future, relationships, and careers, not knowing they are being enslaved by demonic forces.
How to Overcome Through Prayer
- Pray for divine wisdom – James 3:17 tells us that true wisdom comes from above, not from darkness.
- Renounce every involvement in occult knowledge – Break any ties to false spiritual guidance.
- Declare the supremacy of Christ’s wisdom – Jesus is the source of all truth (Colossians 2:3).
- Light-Bringing Prayer: “But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light” (Ephesians 5:13). Pray for exposure of hidden works of darkness.
- Truth-Declaring Prayer: Regular declaration of God’s truth dismantles false wisdom. As Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
- Authority-Exercising Prayer: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4).
In conclusion, while understanding these realms is important, remember that our power comes from our position in Christ. As Paul reminds us: “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-6).
Yes, the three realms of the enemy—divination, witchcraft, and sorcery—are real and active, but Jesus has given believers the power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and overcome all the power of the enemy. This power is accessed through prayer. As Jesus taught in Luke 10:2, prayer is the foundation for laboring in His Kingdom. The enemy operates through deception, manipulation, and counterfeit wisdom, but through prayer, we can dismantle these strongholds and walk in victory. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16, KJV)
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