Effective deliverance ministry
The first time I came across deliverance (the commanding of an evil spiritual presence to leave) was when I was about 16 years old at Taupo Apostolic Church, my church at the time.
After the service the preacher had an altar call and a woman came up to the front. While the preacher and their team were praying over her, she began to convulse. I can tell you, I was quite concerned for her and worried about what was happening!
One of the ladies present then told me about deliverance for the first time. She also told me to pray God's covering over myself (claiming the power of Jesus who I follow to protect me) so no demon could find a home in me when it had been expelled/forced to leave.
So I did! Absolutely! I am not an authority on deliverance ministry by any means. But when I've been under attack from night terrors, I have commanded them to leave. I am confident in the power that Jesus' blood has and the authority He has given us as believers.
An example of what I say is 'Spirit of fear, I loose you (from my body), I bind you up and I cast you out in the name of Jesus. As far as the east is from the west - you are never to return.' I always pray for a refilling of the Holy Spirit straight away - the visions go and I would feel at peace and could get to sleep.
'I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.' - Matthew 16:19
Being lead to deliver
'And it happened, as we went into a place of prayer, a certain girl slave having a Pythonic spirit met us, whose divining brought much gain to her lords. Following after Paul and us, she cried out, saying, 'These men are slaves of the Most High God, who are announcing to us a way of salvation!' And she did this over many days.
But becoming distressed, and turning to the demonic spirit, Paul said, 'In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out from her!' And it came out in that same hour.' - Acts 16:16-18
Being prompted by God to deliver someone from demonic influence is crucial. Deliverance is not something I would attempt unless God specifically instructed me to, or a situation came about where it was necessary.
Following the leading of the Lord, having a strong relationship with God and being sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit mean that we are in good stead to take hold of our authority in Christ.
Do not attempt to command an evil spirit (demon) to leave if the person isn't willing. If we are attempting deliverance and the person isn't ready to follow Jesus once they are healed, they may end up worse off in the end as Scripture describes in Matthew 12:43-45. It is the power of Jesus' blood and His presence that keeps our minds and bodies clear from demonic influence and free from fear.
Responsible preparation
There are also other areas in our lives that we need to make sure are in right alignment, so that our deliverance ministry is safe, effective and under the authority of Christ. There are a few broad areas we need to make sure are strong on our end, as part of Christ-centered preparation when we are commanding demonic forces to leave:
- The Holy Spirit's anointing: You need to be a Holy Spirit filled believer in Yeshua (Jesus) and have a personal relationship with Him. This is kind of relationship is one where you pray daily and read God's Word for direction, and you seek to live by the Holy Spirit's guidance - especially in the area of discernment (or spiritual understanding: see 1 Corinthians 2:15). The Holy Spirit is the one who will prompt you and lead you in this area, so you aren't blindly leaping into something beyond your understanding or jurisdiction.
- A strong Christian faith: You need to have a strong faith in Jesus Christ that you can cast out this demon. Scripturally, you only need a mustard seed sized faith. This means knowing and believing scriptures in the Bible that speak of the power of God over every realm - physical and spiritual. It would be beneficial to have a period of fasting and prayer first (Mark 9:28-29).
- Intercessory prayers: Everyone involved needs prayer covering because when those demons exit, they seek for a new vessel to inhabit. Intercession means praying steadfastly, purposefully and intentionally for deliverance and protection. Consider asking someone who has the spiritual ministry of intercession or has experience in deliverance ministry to support and pray with your group. Also, don't be surprised if the demons know who you are and information about you - they knew who Jesus and the disciples were! (Luke 4:33-35; Acts 19:15)
- Physical and spiritual safety precautions: Make sure you have the help of at least two other Christians, in the event that restraint is needed. It may also be helpful to have people with you that are praying, reading Scripture and praising the Lord.
- The whole person: Remember that the person you are seeking to deliver from the bonds of demonic influence is a child of God. Remember how much Yahweh (God) longs to connect with them and see them living in freedom. Offer them comfort, love and support - and where possible also offer an expectation of the time frame and what events might unfold. There are a lot of unknown factors for those who are being prayed over for deliverance (and for those praying!), but it is important that their wholeness and wellness is the ultimate aim of this deliverance ministry - that they may be free through the power of Jesus Christ's sacrifice and resurrection to worship and know God fully.
Go in power
'And seeing that a crowd is running together, Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, 'Dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, Come out from him, and you may no more go into him!' And crying out, and convulsing him very much, it came out. And he became as if dead, so as for many to say that he died. But taking hold of his hand, Jesus raised him up, and he stood up.' - Mark 9:25-27
With all of this in mind, we have the power in the blood and name of Jesus to cast the evil spirit out as Paul did in Acts 16:16-18.
I hope you have found this to be a good introductory list, and find that it is based in God's Word. If you feel this is an area that God is directing you towards, I would encourage you to do more research into the subject. Talk to trusted pastors/Corps Officers or find published books on the subject from reputable authors.
Internet articles and reading is advised to be read with caution on this subject, as many would seek to confuse and dilute the power of God in the public mind and sphere. Pray with friends to direct you to good resources and allow the Holy Spirit to teach you in all humility.
I came across a wonderful prayer in Psalm 43 for deliverance and guidance. Maybe you would like to pray this over yourself with me as we conclude this subject of deliverance:
'Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.' - Psalm 143:7-10
by Tracy Andrews
WM Author