The two issues that the Bible is dealing with in Ephesians 4:26-28 are anger and stealing.

Eph 4:26-28 (NIV) In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

We can pray: “Deliver me from the evil one” and then hold a grudge for days, weeks, months or even years. Not because God failed to give us the power to overcome Satan.

When we pray things like this, God does His part. Often our struggle is with our desire or will. We can want God to take care of Satan without us doing spiritual warfare. “Do not give the devil a foothold” is putting a certain amount of responsibility on us.