Prayer is both a gift and a privilege we have as children of God. Through prayer, we receive divine power from God through our Lord Jesus Christ, activated by the Holy Spirit. However, many believers do not fully understand how to exercise the power and authority given to them. As a result, they live under various forms of oppression by the devil, such as sickness, debt, poverty, prayerlessness, stress, anxiety, loneliness, unruly children, loveless marriages, cheating, violence, and more. The Church has lost much of its power and authority, and many Christians are unaware of the power that is theirs in Christ Jesus. The average believer does not exercise the "dunamis" power of God—the same authoritative power the apostles had when they commanded healing and performed miracles. This power, which rested upon them on the day of Pentecost, also lives in us.
Biblical Foundation of Authority
Jesus said in Luke 10:19 (NKJV), "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." This is the power available to all believers if we know and believe we have it. However, it is concerning when believers doubt this power, saying, "Oh, that was in the Bible times; it won't happen now." Such unbelief gives the devil an easy opportunity to oppress believers' lives.
Spiritual Warfare and Our Weapons
2 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV) states, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds." In Ephesians 6, Paul explains that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers. He urges us to put on the whole armor of God to withstand in the evil day. The enemy will test us to see if we are serious or just playing. Knowing our authority in the name of Jesus is crucial.
Fear is one of Satan's primary weapons, but 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) reassures us, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." As we grow in our understanding of who we are in Christ and the authority we have, we can exercise that power with confidence.
Understanding Oppression
Oppression is being subjected to a force stronger than oneself. It can be experienced in various forms: marital, psychological, financial, and especially spiritual. Psalm 42:9 (NKJV) says, "I will say to God my Rock, 'Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?'"Christians can be oppressed by the enemy even though oppression is not meant to be part of our lives. When we are oppressed, we are not living in God's will and are subjected to the enemy's devices.
The Spiritual and Physical Realms
Christians understand the existence of both spiritual and physical realms. For things to manifest in the physical, they must first be accomplished in the spiritual. We are triune beings—body, soul, and spirit. Our soul encompasses our mind, will, and emotions, while our body is the physical flesh. Christians can suffer from illnesses and diseases caused by demonic oppression, as seen in the case of Mary Magdalene, who was freed from seven demons by Jesus (Mark 16:9 NKJV).Romans 12:2 (NKJV) urges us, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This renewal is essential to avoid being oppressed by evil spirits, which often gain entry through sin.
Fighting Oppression
Have Faith in God: Trust in His power and promises.
Confess and Repent of All Sins: Acknowledge your sins and turn away from them.
Receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior: Invite Him to rule your life. "Father, I know that I have broken Your laws and my sins have separated me from You. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward You. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen."
Join a Bible-Believing Church: Engage in regular Bible study.
Do Self-Deliverance: Educate yourself (e.g., "They Shall Expel Demons" by Derek Prince).
Pray and Seek the Holy Spirit's Guidance: Ask for revelation and help.
Attend Deliverance Services: Seek help from anointed ministers.
Engage in Spiritual Warfare: Be proactive in prayer.
Avoid Sin: Live a life that honors God.
Jesus Christ is Lord, and He will set us free from all oppression. He said in John 10:10 (NKJV) that Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy, but Jesus came to give life abundantly. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8 NKJV). God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power, and He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil (Acts 10:38 NKJV).
Types of Oppression
Financial Oppression
Dream Oppression
Physical Oppression
Generational Oppression
Witchcraft Oppression
Mental Oppression
Spiritual Oppression
Marital Oppression
Forced Oppression
Emotional Oppression
Oppression comes in many forms and delays and traps people. It can only be overcome through the Holy Word of God, deliverance and warfare prayer. If you find yourself at a crossroads, questioning your faith, or struggling with sin, it is likely that you are under oppression. Turn to Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life, and He will deliver you.
Prayer to Fight Oppression
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today with a heart burdened by oppression. You are the Almighty God, my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). I know that through Jesus Christ, I have the authority to overcome all forces of darkness and oppression. Lord Jesus, You came to set the captives free and proclaim liberty to those who are oppressed (Luke 4:18). I claim that freedom today. By Your mighty power and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I ask You to break every chain of oppression in my life. Father, I repent of any sin that has opened the door to oppression. I ask for Your forgiveness and cleansing by the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:9). Renew my mind, Lord, and fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). In the name of Jesus, I come against every spirit of oppression, fear, and anxiety. I command you to leave me now and never return. You have no power over me, for I am a child of God, bought with the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). Lord, Your Word says that You have given me authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt me (Luke 10:19). I stand firm in this authority and declare victory over every oppressive force in my life. Holy Spirit, fill me afresh. Empower me to stand strong in faith, clothed in the full armor of God, so that I may withstand the schemes of the enemy (Ephesians 6:10-18). Let Your love, joy, and peace overflow in my life, dispelling all darkness.
I thank You, Lord, for Your promises. You are faithful and just. I trust in Your unfailing love and power to deliver me from all oppression. Let Your light shine brightly in my life, guiding me in Your truth and setting me free from every bondage.
In Jesus' mighty name, I pray. Amen.
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