Understanding Deliverance Prayer: A Path to Freedom

If you have considered getting deliverance prayer but have reservations due to fear, let me ease your mind.

The Importance of a Bible-Based Ministry

Firstly, any ministry should be Bible-based. The minister must back up their teachings on deliverance with the word of God. They can use their experiences to illustrate what deliverance is like and what they have encountered while ministering to people. Still, they must use the Bible to support their teachings.

It is essential to know who is praying for you. If you are attending different churches seeking ministry, be aware that the Bible instructs us not to lay hands on people hastily. It is crucial to know who labors among you. Some individuals may be eager to speak into your life because it builds them up. This type of thinking is not the right motive when it comes to praying for others.

The Nature of Deliverance

Deliverance can be messy, but in the end, it is a freeing experience. If you're unsure whether you need deliverance, ask God. Seek His guidance to lead you to the right place for ministry. Sometimes, people may manifest demonic behaviors without even realizing they are oppressed or demonized. Yes, I said that. Not everyone who is under the influence of a demonic spirit knows they are. Why? Because it is not commonly taught in the Church.

However, the Bible urges us to be aware of the demonic realm.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. - Eph 6:12

There are many directions in the word of God that help us live a life free from demonic powers. We must close the doors we or our ancestors opened before becoming followers of Jesus.

Recognizing a Safe Ministry Environment

If you ever receive prayer at the altar and the people around you seem more interested in being entertained by the minister, leave. That is not a safe place for ministry. You should feel loved and sense an authoritative anointing to deal with any demons that may be influencing you.

The anointing stirs up demons, causing them to leave. The minister is simply a conduit of faith with the authority to cast them out. Your soul is precious to Jesus, and He does not want you to be made a fool of in front of everyone. Deliverance is not a spectator sport, nor is it necessary to converse with demons to be free.

The Holy Spirit will lead you into all truths. Demons lie.

Signs of Demonic Influence

Discerning demonic presence in an individual's life is not that difficult. Most people who are demonically oppressed or possessed exhibit behaviors indicative of such.

Oppressive Feelings

Oppression can manifest as a sense of being weighed down in body or mind. It may also consist of oppressive circumstances, such as frequent car breakdowns, never financially getting ahead, or experiencing unexplained illnesses. These are just a few examples. Some individuals who are oppressed by demons may feel as though someone or something is watching them, see shadow figures, or hear strange noises. These can be symptoms of demonic spirits trying to gain entrance to your soul.

Biblical Examples of Demonization

Mark 1:23-38 provides an excellent example of what demonization can look like.

23 Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 saying, "Let [us] alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are--the Holy One of God!" 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!" 26 And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? What new doctrine [is] this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him." 28 And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee. - Mark 1:23-28 NKJV

• The man was in the assembly of people where the word of God was being read.

• He manifested at Jesus' authority.

• The demon recognized Jesus and knew He could destroy him, calling Him the Holy One of God.

• There was more than one demon present; demons usually group together and do not work alone.

• These demons were unclean, possibly indicating they were sexual or lewd in nature.

• Jesus did not converse with them but commanded them to be quiet and leave.

• The demons convulsed the man before departing.

  
  

Manifestations of Demonic Activity

The following are some manifestations of demonic activity. With the gift of discernment, one can determine if there is a demon or another problem.

1. Physical Binding: Chronic sickness can be a sign of demonic influence.

2. Mental Oppression: Disturbances in the mind or thought life, such as mental torment, confusion, doubt, loss of memory, and various forms of mental illness, can indicate demonic presence.

3. Emotional Problems: Persistent feelings of resentment, hatred, anger, and fear may signify demonic influence. Other areas may include rejection, self-pity, jealousy, depression, worry, insecurity, and inferiority.

4. Spiritual Problems: Extreme difficulties in overcoming sin and a refusal to accept spiritual solutions can indicate demonic influence. Any doctrinal error or deception, including bondage to objects and cult literature, can also be signs.

5. Oppressive Circumstances: Confusion and other oppressive circumstances can be caused by demons.

   
   

Seeking Deliverance

If you feel that you may be experiencing any of these signs, it is essential to seek deliverance prayer. Remember, the journey to freedom may not be easy, but it is worth it. Trust in God's guidance and the power of prayer to lead you to a place of healing and restoration.

For more insight on this topic, you can watch There Is Freedom (Official Lyric) - Josh Baldwin.