How To Get Help Through Prayer

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We have greatest examples of prayers from Jesus Christ Himself. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer as a prayer that can be said daily.

“When thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye:

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Mt 6:5-13)

Tribulation

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16:33)

The meaning of tribulation is interesting because it is as much about being troubled mentally as it is physically. When we are down, stressed, over-burdened, tired, etc. we become vulnerable to the whisperings of the serpent who wants to tempt us to believe his lies.

The enemy works to tempt us to sin in some way, to murmur or rail against God, to feel hopeless, sorry for ourselves, etc. and forget God’s word, forget who we are, forget to praise, worship and honour God. We need to learn not to listen to his lies like Eve did, but to only listen to what God has told us in His word and to stay faithful to it.

If we know scripture we will have the weapons to use against the devil’s fiery darts. Just as Jesus did when he was tempted in the wilderness and each time he replied “It is written…”. (Mt 4:1-11)

“Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;” (He 5:7-8)

We need to learn to be overcomers and we need to learn how to wage spiritual warfare against the Enemy and his fiery darts. To do this, it is essential that we learn what the Bible says, by means of which we have been given much power and many weapons to use, as per ‘the armour of God’ which we need to put on daily and wear at all times:

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, “ (Ep 6:10-20)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (Ja 1:2-4)

“So no wonder we don’t give up. For even though our outer person gradually wears out, our inner being is renewed every single day. We view our slight, short-lived troubles in the light of eternity. We see our difficulties as the substance that produces for us an eternal, weighty glory far beyond all comparison, because we don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal.” (2 Co 4:16-18)

Scripture tells us that God wants us to pray to him about everything

We ought to start prayer with honouring God and His name along with thanksgiving in all things and praise and worship. God is Holy and we should lift up holy hands to Him.

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”      (Jn 4:24)

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (He 13:15)

“He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” (Lk 18:1-2)

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Ro 12:12)

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Th 5:16-18)

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;” (Co 4:2)

“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.” (Je 29:12)

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” (Je 33:3)

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” (Ps 100:4-5)

“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” (Ps 95:6)

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endures for ever.” (Ps 118:29)

“O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” (Ps 95:1-3)

Pray everything “in the name of Jesus”

Jesus Christ came to expose and destroy the works of the devil and defeated Satan on the cross when he died and rose again. He paid the price for all our sins and made us free.

Demons fear the name of Jesus because it has power over them and all of their powers. This authority was given to us by Christ Himself. The power is when we say “in the name of Jesus”, but also in our measure of the faith in His name. So when we pray and when we carry out spiritual warfare, and whatever we do, we always say “in the name of Jesus”.

“Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Co 3:17)

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe.”                (Pr 18:10)

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Ac 4:12)

“If I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.” (Lk 11:20)

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Ph 2:9-11)

God knows what we need but he also wants us to ask him in prayer

We can go to God in prayer to ask to be given more faith, more strength to bear, more grace to endure, peace, healing, deliverance, discernment, and God can also give us a love of the truth.

“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” (Jn 14:13-14)

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Ph 4:6)

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.” (Mt 7:7-8)

“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” (1 Jn 3:22)

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Mt 7:7-11)

Faith

“And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”      (Mk 11:22-24)

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (Ja 1:6-8)

“Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (He 11:6)

“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”              (1 Co 2:5)

“And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” (Mk 9:24)

“The apostles said unto the Lord, increase our faith.” (Lk 17:5)

Grace

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ep 2:8)

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (He 4:14-16)

Sanctification

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (Jn 17:17)

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mt 26:41)

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Ps 139:23-24)

“The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Th 5:23)

“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.” (2 Th 2:13)

“Who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Pe 1:2)

Strength

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Is 41:10)

“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” (Ps 55:22)

“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (1 Ch 16:8-11)

Peace

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Ph 4:6-7)

Healing

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Ch 7:14)

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” (Ps 147:3)

“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (Ja 5:13-16)

Help with problems

“The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.”        (Ps 34:17)

“He regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer.” (Ps 102:17)

“And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”  (Ps 50:15)

“Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts and encourages us in every trouble so that we will be able to comfort and encourage those who are in any kind of trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as Christ’s sufferings are ours in abundance [as they overflow to His followers], so also our comfort [our reassurance, our encouragement, our consolation] is abundant through Christ [it is truly more than enough to endure what we must].” (2 Co 1:3-5 AMP)

Discernment

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (Ja 1:5)

“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad:” (1 Ki 3:9)

“I am Your servant; give me understanding [the ability to learn and a teachable heart] That I may know Your testimonies [decrees, rules, laws].” (Ps 119:125 AMP)

“Teach me good judgement and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.”    (Ps 119:66)

“And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” (Ph 1:9-11)

Love of the truth

“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” (2 Th 2:10)

There are reasons our prayers may not be heard

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:” (Ps 66:18)

“Now we know that God hears not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and does his will, him he hears.” (Jn 9:31)

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” (1 Pe 3:12)

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mk 11:25)

“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has ought against you; Leave there your gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Mt 5:23-24)

“Whosoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.” (Pr 21:13 & Ja 2:14-24)

“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.” (Pr 15:8)

“He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” (Pr 28:9)

“And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.” (Is 1:15)

“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” (1 Pe 3:7)

“You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know you not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Wherefore he says, God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.” (Ja 4:3-6)

“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.” (Lk 18:10-14)

Delays and disappointments in answers to prayer

Sometimes it seems God cannot hear us or he is not listening. This can be a trial or a test of faith to see that remain faithful and we can learn what is in our own hearts.

“For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.”        (1 Pe 2:20)

God knows and understands the end from the beginning, so He is a far better position to know what is good for us than we ourselves are. We cannot bend God’s will to fulfil our will. Our prayers should always be directed according to God’s will, who does all things after the counsel of His will:

“In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” (Ep 1:11-12)

“This is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.” (1 Jn 5:14-15 AMP)

Praying for others

We cannot pray away someone’s free will but we can petition God to give them a change of mind and heart.

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” (1 Ti 2:1-3)

“Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.” (Ep 1:15-23)

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”        (Ep 3:14-21)

“I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” (Pn 1:4-6)

“Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.”        (1 Sa 12:23-24)

“Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Lk 10:2)

“I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also.” (De 9:18-19)

“And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” (Jb 42:10)

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” (Co 4:2-4)

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. (2 Th 3:1-3

The Holy Spirit can pray for us 

Paul told us that as well as comfort us, teach us and guide us, the Holy Spirit can pray for us.

“In the same way the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness with sighs and groanings too deep for words. And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes [before God] on behalf of God’s people in accordance with God’s will.” (Ro 8: 26-27)

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but ye know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you.” (Jn 14:16-17)

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (Jn 14:26)

Deliverance prayer

The New Testament mentions Jesus casting out evil spirits 55 times and describes events in detail 5 times. According to Bible prophecy, demonic activity will not cease but rather continue to increase until Jesus returns. (Mt 24; Re chs 6 – 9)

True believers cannot be ‘possessed’ as they are sealed by the Holy Spirit. (Ep 1:13-14, 4:30) The Greek word ‘daimonizomai’ is often translated as ‘demon-possessed’ but simply means to come under the influence of a demon or demons, or become subject to demonic oppression, and terms used are ‘with an unclean spirit’ or ‘have a demon’.

In the Bible, a temple of God is described as having an inner chamber where God dwells, corresponding to the spirit where the Holy Spirit can dwell. There are a number of scriptures which tell us that even so the outer courts of the temple can be defiled. For example when heathens were worshipping in the outer courts of the temple, or when Jesus drove out the money-changers from the temple. (Ez 8:16, Ez 42:20, Mt 21:12, Re 11:2)

Paul spoke of a thorn in his flesh, and thorns are a term used in scripture to signify demons:

“Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me;” (2 Co 12:7-8)

The primary way demons attack Christians is through temptation (especially to believe false doctrine). We can be led into temptation as a test of faith, even as the spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, even though he was without sin. Jesus urged us to strongly resist temptation. In the Lord’s Prayer, he told us to ask God not to lead us into temptation but to give us deliverance from evil. We are told to resist the devil. (Ja 4:7)

Demons are knowledgeable but evil spirits and they do not have to be inside someone to affect or influence them. Even a believer can suffer demonic oppression if he lets down his guard and allows his thoughts, actions, or attitudes to be influenced. We know from scripture that demons work together and that is why scripture strongly urges us to give them NO place.

“Neither give place to the devil.” (Ep 4:27) [Do not give some place, or a little place, but give NO place.] Other versions say: “Do not give the devil a foothold.” Or “Do not give the devil an opportunity.”

“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2 Co 2:11)

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Pe 5:8) Other versions say: “Be alert”, “Be watchful”, “Be clear-minded”, “Be on guard”.

Evidence from scripture proves that believers can be afflicted, beguiled, bewitched, blinded, blocked, bound, compelled, deceived, distracted, driven, enchanted, entangled, enticed, harassed, influenced, Intimidate, misled, oppressed, seduced, stalked, tormented, traumatised, troubled, weakened and worried.

We know from scripture that demons have weapons including especially weapons of deception and that is why we need the armour of God (Ep 6). Demons can assault, corrupt, debase, defile, degrade, demean, denigrate, desecrate, destroy, detract, devalue, devour, diminish, disable, discredit, disrupt, distort, disturb, divide, downgrade, enslave, entrap, fragment, frighten, kill, pervert, pursue, steal, stifle, twist and, particularly, cause false doctrine to be taught.

There are many dozens – if not hundreds – of Christian testimonies posted online where believers testify to being attacked, harassed and oppressed etc. after they are saved, sometimes for many years.

For example, someone who has suffered greatly from abuse may struggle with unforgiveness which can result in bondage, and/or various addictions – or lusts such as for sex or money – due to self-medication.

It is said deliverance comprised one-third of Jesus’s ministry. Jesus certainly cast out demons from many and healed people, even up to the day before he was crucified:

“And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.” (Lk 13:32)

“He called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;” (Mk 6:7)

“These signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; (Mk 16:17)

“When he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.” (Mt 10:1)

In many scriptures, Jesus clearly asked us to do the same as he did

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Mt 11:28-30)

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Mt 28:19-20)

“Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Ph 4:9)

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (Jn 14:15)

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” (Re 14:12)

“What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.” (De 12:32)

“And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” (1 Sa 15:22)

“But their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away.” (2 Co 3:14-16)

Fasting can be an important aid to prayer and deliverance

The Bible doesn’t say “if you fast”, it says “when you fast”:

“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.” (Mt 6:16)

“Howbeit this kind [of demon] goes not out but by prayer and fasting.” (Mt 17: 21)

“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:” (Da 9:3)

A parent who is a believer can take authority in the household and command any demons to leave in the name of Jesus. However depending on how they got there and what ‘rights’ they have to be there, whether generational, it is not necessarily that easy and more measures may be necessary. Demons are liars, and thieves, but also bullies and may be there just because they can.

Renunciation prayers

Renunciation prayers are formulaic prayers which are always addressed to God and said ‘in the name of Jesus’.  These prayers provide a means of confession that can help to bring us to repentance and therefore give us deliverance.  They can be particularly helpful for new believers who are not sure how to pray or what to say, etc.

Renunciation prayers are freely available on the internet to help with various difficulties such as struggling with various forms of bondage, backsliding, and /or unconfessed sin. They can be personalised and altered to suit particular circumstances and details, names, etc. removed or added, as required.

These prayers can be said for anything such as unforgiveness, unholy soul ties or past transgressions, or anything else that can hinder our spiritual progress.   The proof for this is given in many scriptures, such as:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 Jn 1:9)

“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (Ja 5:16)

“When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.” (Ps 32:3-6)

We can say a renunciation prayer that is specific to any practice we may need to repent for such as the occult, the New Age, freemasonry, witchcraft, idolatry, etc. Renunciation prayers have been likened to cancelling spiritual ‘subscriptions’. If something has been renounced it has been rejected, cut off, or the individual is refusing to follow or obey.

Some renunciation prayers are quite long as they can go into detail on the subject but they only need to be said once. Reading through details can help bring someone to true heartfelt repentance as it helps them to see what was wrong with whatever the prayer is about and may bring to their attention some things they had not realised before.

“Many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.” (Ac 19:18)

“But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Co 4:2)

“Lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.” (2 Co 12:21)

“He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.” (Pr 28:13)

“Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.” (Ez 14:6)

“For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.” (Ps 38:18)

“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness’. (2 Ti 2:19)

“When anyone becomes aware that they are guilty in any of these matters, they must confess in what way they have sinned.” (Le 5:5)

“And must confess the sin they have committed.” (Nu 5:7)

“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee. O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee. To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him. And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem. As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice. And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly. O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us. Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake. O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.” (Da 9:3-19)

Generational Iniquity

Renunciation prayers could be for generational family inquity – that is sin and the results of sin, by both commission and omission – passed down the generations. Generational curses appear all the way through the Bible from Genesis through Matthew to Revelation. It is clearly nonsensical to claim – as some do – there is no such thing and any and all renunciation prayers for this and anything else are unscriptural.

“The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.” (Nu 14:18)

“Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,” (De 5:9)

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt. Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?” (Mt 23:29-33)

“And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies’ lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them. If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me; And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.” (Le 26:39-42)

“Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the LORD their God.” (Ne 9:2-3)

“While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the LORD my God for his holy hill.” (Da 9:20)

“While Ezra was praying and confessing, weeping and throwing himself down before the house of God, a large crowd of Israelites—men, women and children—gathered around him. They too wept bitterly.” (Ez 10:1)

“Let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you.” (Ne 1:6)

Prayers for Release

Prayer to Renounce Generational Family Iniquity

Witchcraft

Contrary to what we are led to believe, most witches do not wear tall black hats or dance around cauldrons, casting spells, etc. They can appear perfectly normal and conservatively dressed. They usually work in secret and there are as many male witches as female. Witchcraft attacks are often specifically directed at Christians. Witchcraft attacks can come direct from demons, or through people, family, friends and neighbours or strangers, and on the internet and even from other believers.

Also demons are adept at networking through apparently unconnected people so that people seem to know things that they could not or should not know. So do not be surprised if you experience this, as many have.

Witchcraft is far more common than most people realise and has many manifestations such as freemasonry and even religiosity, including false Christian doctrine, and cults. It would also include devices of the devil such as false religion, or false Christian doctrine aliens and ufology, and other bewitchments. Its influences can be very subtle and cunning indeed.

Prayer to Combat Witchcraft Attack

I renounce, reject, break and dissolve every curse, hex, incantation, spell, snare, trap, trick, lie, obstacle, deception, diversion, device, spiritual influence, evil wish, evil desire, heriditary seal, and/or blood oath made against me and/or my family known and unknown, and claim it was nailed to the cross of Jesus and covered in the blood of the Lamb, rendering it null and void, in Jesus’s name. Amen.

The blood of Jesus

We can apply the blood of Jesus in prayer to a person or a situation. Or we can say that we cover a place or a person or a situation with the blood of Jesus. This is because the blood of Jesus represents the suffering and death he endured as sacrifice (atonement) for our sins.

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” (Ep 2:13)

“For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (He 9:13-14)

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb,” (Re 12:11)

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (He 4:14-15)

Standing in the gap or intercessory prayer

Jesus is our intercessor before God, and intercedes for us. We can “stand in the gap” for others in need of help but unable or unwilling to pray for themselves. This is a form of intercessory prayer where our prayers can bridge the gap between God and people who are cut off from God’s helping presence. We can pray for them, lifting up their needs and concerns to God, we can ask God to protect, care for and help them.

Or someone else can stand in the gap for us. Jesus gave us the example when he made intercession for sinners even on the cross:

“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 Jn 2:2)

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (He 7:25)

“Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Is 53:12)

“Who is he that condemns? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” (Ro 8:34)

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (1 Ti 2:1-2)

Praying through the Psalms

Reading the psalms can provide great comfort and wisdom for those going through troubles in their life. King David wrote most of the psalms and he went through many difficulties and trials including with family and friends.

“I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.”      (Ps 3:4)

“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” (Ps 6:9)

“The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.” (Ps 5:3)

“Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:” (Ps 10:17)

“Hear the right, O Lord, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goes not out of feigned lips.” (Ps 17:1)

“For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.” (Ps 22:24)

“Unto thee will I cry, O Lord my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit. Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.” (Ps 28:1-2)

“O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.” (Ps 30:2)

“I cried to thee, O Lord; and unto the Lord I made supplication.” (Ps 30:8)

“This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear him, and delivers them.” (Ps 34:6-7)

“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.” (Ps 34:15-17)

“For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.” (Ps 38:15)

“Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.” (Ps 39:12)

“Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” (Ps 50:14-15)

“Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.” (Ps 54:2)

“Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;” (Ps 55:1-2)

“As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.”                    (Ps 55:16-17)

“I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.” (Ps 57:2)

“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” (Ps 62:8)

“Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.”          (Ps 64:1)

“But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.” (Ps 69:13)

“For the Lord hears the poor, and despises not his prisoners.” (Ps 69:33)

“I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.” (Ps 77:1)

“Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy.” (Ps 86:1)

Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;” (Ps 88:2)

“He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.” (Ps 91:15)

“I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.” (Ps 116:1-2)

“My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.” (Ps 119:48)

“I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes. I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies. I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.” (Ps 119:145-147)

“Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me understanding according to thy word. Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.                (Ps 119:169-170)

“Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.”            (Ps 130:2)

“In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.” (Ps 138:3)

“I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” (Ps 141:1-2)

“I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.” (Ps 142:1-2)

“Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.” (Ps 143:1)

“I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.” (Ps 143:6)

“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.”  (Ps 145:18-19)

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Angels and Demons – A Survey of Biblical Doctrine
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Deception Party – Pick Your Poison 
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Refutation of Claims Made by Cessationists
Can a Born-Again Christian Have a Demon?
How to Help Those in the Occult
Occult and Cursed Objects List

Prayers for Release
Renunciation Prayers
Deliverance Prayers by Milton Green
The Blood Is Enough for Complete Forgiveness
Prayer for Forgiveness Made Possible by Jesus Christ
Prayer to Renounce Generational Family Iniquity
Prayer to Renounce Unholy /Ungodly Soul Ties
Prayer to Restore a Fragmented Soul
Prayer for Cleansing the Home
Prayer for Spiritual Warfare – Daily

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