We live in a broken and fallen world. Sin and evil is all around us. We are bound to bump up against it in one way or another. 1 Peter 5:8-11 says, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
We are told to resist the devil. But in human weakness, we have all fallen short at one time or another. As such, many need freedom from various kinds of oppression. We may need freedom from things in our past, tormenting thoughts, breakthrough in areas we can’t seem to get past, addiction, trauma, anger, unforgiveness, sexual sin, or help removing areas of sin in our life that we can’t seem to kick on our own. Deliverance is a form of healing. Deliverance, for believers, does not mean one is possessed, but one can be oppressed. Deliverance is for everyone, even the mature believer. We celebrate when people have been delivered from all forms of oppression the same as we would celebrate someone getting healed from cancer. What great joy when people are set free! Both healing and deliverance are accomplished through the power of God and the authority given to us through Jesus’ death and resurrection. We pray and wage war in prayer from this victory over death!
God is so big, almighty, and all powerful! No one can overtake him. No one can win against him. Psalm 18:2 reveals this powerful aspect of God’s nature through the name Jehovah Mephalti, the Lord my Deliverer. “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” As we prepare for the Worship, Prayer and Healing Gathering, we want to contend for those who need freedom from the oppression of the enemy. Let us put on the armor of God and go to battle under the power and authority of Jehovah Mephalti on behalf of those who desperately desire to be set free. As we pray, we come into agreement for freedom in Christ. May we have compassion on those who are bravely seeking that freedom. Pray for each one who needs deliverance to have courage and conviction to ask for help. Let’s pray the power of God is so thick in that room, that the enemy can’t stand to be there and flees, just like it says in Psalm 68:1, “God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered; and those who hate him shall flee before him!” May many people receive the freedom and peace they can only find in Christ!
Listening Prayer:
Ask the Holy Spirit what areas of deliverance he wants you to intercede for. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you strategies in prayer that break strongholds and usher in freedom. Pray as he directs.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, we recognize that we live in a broken and fallen world. While Jesus defeated the devil on the cross, you have charged us to deliver those who are oppressed. We pray even now, that you would begin to release the grip of the enemy on those who are coming to the Worship, Prayer and Healing Gathering. May your presence be so strong, that people experience freedom by simply being in the room. Build up our faith and confidence in you as we pray and contend for people who are oppressed. Lord, would you fill our hearts with compassion and a deep desire to fight for those who need a touch from you. We ask that not only would you set the oppressed free, but you would heal all the wounded places from the oppression. We pray you would give each one set free a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, and that people would experience a new life in you as they are delivered and set free. In the victorious name of Jesus, Amen.
Resource: Bible Verses on Deliverance
“You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7)
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
“The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:15-18)
“Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!” (Psalm 107:17-22)
Worship Song:
“Where I’m Standing Now” by Phil Wickam
“Broken Vessels” by Hillsong Worship