Gaining relief from demonic opression

[fred_conty]

I have never admitted to this publically before, as I always thought it was silly frankly. However, I sincerely believe now that I have either a demonic attachment, or am being oppressed. I was talking with a friend who claims to be spiritually sensitive (of course we all know what this means). However, the subject of my habitual sin of lust (porn, masturbation) came up and this friend said you know it’s your demon name unposted? I was floored. It’s a demon mentioned in scripture and held by some tradtionally (I have found after some research) to be the demon of lust. I have also since looked up some symptoms of oppression and I believe that I suffer them. I mean, there are times when I get some really sick sexual images in my head that, normally, would send me screaming that I find myself delighting in. Then, of course, later, I think, “Why in the ____ did I allow that to be in my head? How in the ____ could I find that even close to appealing?” I need this to stop. My wife is moving farther and farther away (emotionally). I am finding easier and easier to look at bad images. I hate everything basically. And I feel no concern, really ever, for anyone or anything. What can I do? My priest says to stop thinking about the demonic and focus on Christ. I am not possessed. I do not have an aversion to religious items. I just find it really easy not to care. HELP!

There are 3 sources of temptation; world,flesh,devil. The devil frequently uses the other two in his work. He knows by observation what your pitfalls are in the world, and your weakness in the flesh.
You do not have to be obsessed or possessed to have strong drives and attractions contrary to virtue. You just have to be a human being.

Sone of the greatest saints have had great temptations to blaspheme God. They are the last ones any body would judge to have problems with blaspheming but they did. The devil indeed.

I hope you won’t think that I am making light of your current situation. What I am saying is that all any of us can expect is a tough time from Satan, and as Peter said, our fight is against principalities and powers. For he is always on the prowl in one way or another to take us down.

If there is one thing satan fears, it is Mary. She is in the first book of the bible and in the last book of the bible as one who is at war with satan. That seems to be the image that God gives us of our heavenly mother.

I would recommend very strongly to get yourself a green scapular, wear it, and don’t take it off.
One of the benefits Mary promised to those who used it is protection from satan. I’m sure she won’t let you down if you take her at her word. I dosen’t mean necessarily that the promptings by the devil will stop, but that she will be there at your side supporting you. This is a gift from her to help you and she wants you to have it.

Here is someone who found the green scapular very helpful.

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=690740&page=3

“…Dreams of demons holding me down while i slept and trying to strangle me. Horrid stuff.”…“Also, i’ve never suffered from those terrifying dreams while i slept with me scapulars on. I have a green one and a blue/black St Michael one. They 're a bit grotty after never taking them off but i reckon its worth it.”

 

[MtnDwellar]

I have been doing research into whether it is allowed for lay people to say binding prayers. I will be posting the citations and sources I’ve found:

Thanks for researching. I think that you noticed Cardinal Ratzinger does not forbid priests and laity from performing exorcisms even though the author from EWTN claims that he does:

1. Canon 1172 of the Code of Canon Law declares that no one may licitly perform exorcisms on those who are possessed [obsessos], unless he has obtained particular and express permission from the local ordinary (section 1), and it decrees that this permission is to be granted by the Ordinary only to priests who are outstanding in piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity of life (section 2). Bishops are therefore strongly urged to enforce the observance of these prescriptions.

It is stated and I believe that everyone agreed that a solemn exorcism of a possessed person can only be performed by a priest with faculties.

1. It follows also from these same prescriptions that Christ’s faithful may not employ the formula of exorcism against Satan and the fallen angels which is excerpted from that formula made official by order of the Supreme Pontiff Leo XIII, and certainly may not use the entire text of that exorcism. Let all bishops take care to admonish the faithful about this matter whenever such instruction is required.

This prohibition is explicitly against the publication from Pope Leo XIII. I don’t think that anyone was recommending this formula.

1. Finally, for the same reasons, Bishops are asked to guard lest those who lack the required power attempt to lead assemblies in which prayers are employed to obtain liberation from demons, and in the course of which the demons are directly disturbed and an attempt is made to determine their identity. This applies even to cases which, although they do not involve true diabolical possession, nevertheless are seen in some way to manifest diabolical influence.

This prohibition applies if three criteria are met concurrently. A person must be attempting to obtain liberation from a demon AND directly disturbing a demon AND attempting to determine the identity of the demon. If a person misread the document interpreting the conjunction to mean “OR” then the conclusion from the EWTN author could be reached.

A proper reading of the Cardinal’s document reveals that he does not prohibit exorcism, but instructs us to avoid certain dangerous practices while performing an exorcism.

 

[buzzoff1031]

I think, since I originally started this thread, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned that having the power of the church behind what I do is really necessary when dealing with the spiritual. I’ve learned that, not in every situation would I have the power of the church. I’ve learned that there ARE certain sacrementals I can use (oil, water, salt) and prayers to help protect myself. I’ve also learned that I may be struggling with OCD and need to get to a counselor.

 

[Sonic]

Thanks for researching.

As you can see, there is only a misunderstanding going on in this discussion. The advice given from various reliable sources are often contradictory. One priest says it’s okay, and another says it’s not.

Even reading the document provided by Lady Love by Fr. Grob and Cardinal Seunens’s book Renewal and the Powers of Darkness states that there is much confusion in this matter.

pg 74 of Renewal and the Powers of Darkness by Cardinal Seunens

Since ‘deliverance’ is exercised without a mandate and by way of direct exorcism, it poses a frontier problem which has to be clarified and solved. At first, the demarcation line seems clear: exorcism is reserved exclusively to the bishop or his delegate, when cases of presumed demoniacal possession arise. But since no provision has been made for the treatment of cases which do not come directly under this heading, the whole area is open to all sundry.

Cases of genuine possession, which only the bishop or his delegate may deal with, are rare. But everything that falls short of possession in the strict sense remains a blurred, ill-defined area where confusion and ambiguity prevail. The complexity of the vocabulary used to designate deliverance does not help to clarify maters: there is no commonly accepted terminology and varied phenomena are classified under the same heading. Moreover, this whole domain does not easily lend itself to verbal definition.

Pg 74

All these problems need to be clarified in order to prevent Christians from venturing recklessly into the 'mystery of iniquity, on their own authority, on the fringe of the Church and more or less without her knowledge.

For myself, the problem is two-fold. The role of the laity and the definition of private exorcism has not been thoroughly defined for me particularly in the use of imprecatory prayers (like binding prayers). I have yet to find a church document that defines “private exorcism” in a manner that distinguishes it from an “exorcism” in general.

I would welcome a proper definition of “private exorcism” so I can use it in the future. If someone would please post a reliable source, then I would be grateful.

Some other perspectives from EWTN. Still, I think I would prefer to heir on the side of caution concerning binding prayers until it’s been settled.

RITE OF EXORCISM

A sacramental by which a duly appointed person, generally a priest, is authorized to use the special power he receives to drive out the evil spirit. Until recently this power had been conferred in the minor order of exorcist. Nevertheless the power could not be used except by a priest who had received the special and express permission from ecclesiastical authority. The Church, in her directives to exorcists, warns them not to be too ready to assume that there is diabolical possession, since there are so many cases of hysteria or other kinds of emotional disorder that may seem to be “possession.” Moreover, explicit directives are given on how to deal with ostensibly possessed persons, notably to exercise great care not to be either deceived or intimidated by the evil spirit.

Over the centuries the rite of exorcism has been long and detailed, with a variety of ritual forms, numerous signs of the cross, recitation of psalms, the Athanasian Creed, prayers to St. Michael, use of holy water, and periodic adjurations. Among other formulas, the priest declares, “I adjure you, ancient serpent, by the Judge of the living and the dead, by your Creator, and the Creator of the world, by Him who has power to send you to hell. Depart immediately with fear and with your army of terror. Depart from this servant of God [name], who takes refuge in the bosom of the Church.”

Private exorcism, which is the private adjuring of the devil from harming someone, may be performed by any priest, and also by a lay person; for example, by the use of sacramentals such as holy water or by invoking the name of Jesus.

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon’s Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

Source: Catholic Culture - catholicculture.org/culture/library/dictionary/index.cfm?id=36114

I know that Mother Church forbids lay people to perform an exorcism on a possessed person. I certainly accept that. But what about rebuking the devil during a temptation, as Our Lord did when He said, “Begone, Satan, for it is written…” Are laity allowed to address demons in that way when tempted, or is that also forbidden? Thanks and God bless!

In Jesu et Maria,

Answer by Fr. John Echert on 5/8/2009:

I am not aware of any prohibition for doing this. I would do it in the Name of Jesus, such as, "In the Holy Name of Jesus I rebuke you (or reject you). At the same time, be careful not to start a war with the devil that could escalate. The prayer to the St. Michael and the Rosary are most powerful weapons…

Thanks, Rosemarie
Father Echert

source: ewtn.com/vexperts/showmessage.asp?Pgnu=1&Pg=Forum7&recnu=13&number=574561

EWTN Catholic Q&A Exorcisms and Demons

Question from Anonymous on 10-13-2005:

Dear Father Levis,
Would you please provide me with a citation that prohibits a lay person addressing Satan or a demon.
I thought that this was only done by a priest, and then, only in the course of an exorcism, and proscribed carefully by the Church.
So, as lay people, we can’t say: “Satan, leave me!”
But, we could say: “Lord, please stop the Devil or demons from tempting me.”
Thank you!

Anonymous

Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 10-14-2005:

Dear Anon, Fr. John Hardon S.J. of happy memory wrote in his Modern Catholic Dictionary that any layperson can privately confer a private exorcism by using holy water or by invoking the name of Jesus. God bless you. Fr Bob Levis

site: ewtn.com/vexperts/showmessage_print.asp?number=450757&language=en

 

[Rosepetal7]

I wanted to just add a few things in reply to some of the more recent posts. Although it is good to have a specific Blessing prayer available & a priest who is willing to use it, it is not necessary. If a priest Blesses the salt and oil using a standard blessing, then that is alright too… unless you need it to be exorcised, then that would require a specific prayer & I would assume from an exorcist. The same applies to the St Benedict medals. I have spoken to several priests, including an exorcist about this and was told that any priest can bless these things.

Also wanted to second what Lady Love said about Heart of the Father Ministries, they are Catholic. They are also very well spoken of within the Catholic community. I have personally heard other priests, exorcists, and deliverance ministers speak highly of them. I only recently learned of them this past year and attended a conference as well… good stuff!

 

[pete_29]

 

[IanGE]

Sonic quoted:
The following question occurs frequently: “Since Protestants have no real concept of a central infallible authority, would God have granted us the power [to exorcise a demon] simply because we were acting on what we believed to be the proper scriptural interpretation?”

“Protestants” have a central, most infallible authority: Jesus. I have to quote Mark 16:17 yet again where JESUS is quoted: These signs shall follow the BELIEVERS: " In MY NAME they will DRIVE out demons…" But the Church is right to warn laity or even priests to beware of tackling the evil one, because the tempter will also look into your heart and check the sincerity of your faith. Many many Born Again believers who even speak in Tongues are afraid of testing their own faith in Jesus. Rightly so: Acts 19:13 -16 tells of a group of Jews who went around driving out evil spirits…They would say, "in the Name of Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out…19:16: “One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.”
On the other hand a Born Again friend, having problems with the pest, asked Jesus to drive the demon away. He was then aware of Jesus standing by with his arms folded. “Lord, I asked to drive this demon away”. Jesus said, "I have given you the power: use it!. I speak in tongues and was aware of the other “signs” but when the Holy Spirit in me discerned an evil spirit and prompted me, I touched the woman’s forehead and commanded, “In the Name of Jesus, loose her!” She was hurled backwards a dozen feet to hang transfixed to the wall. No, she wasn’t hurt, but I promptly prayed for an infilling of the Holy Spirit upon her to prevent Charlie and his mates re-entering their old house. I was utterly amazed at the sheer POWER of Jesus that I no longer fear the pig. I also had my own faith confirmed most dramatically.
Once I asked “Lord, who was doubting Thomas Didymus’ twin - he is not mentioned in the Bible?” The Lord answered chattily enough, “you Ian!”
But I would go along with those who believe in a scapular, Mary, the rosary, holy water etc etc. The evil twit will look into your faith in the object and leave you alone. Do not wear in fear but in trust.
BTW Someone said Jesus warned people to stay away from evil spirits. Where? I can only recall Jesus quoted in Luke 10 as sending out SEVENTY-TWO disciples.
17: The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your Name.
18: He replied, “I saw Satan falling like lightning from heaven”.
19: I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
20. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” HALLELUJAH!

 

[MtnDwellar]

As you can see, there is only a misunderstanding going on in this discussion. The advice given from various reliable sources are often contradictory. One priest says it’s okay, and another says it’s not.

For myself, the problem is two-fold. The role of the laity and the definition of private exorcism has not been thoroughly defined for me particularly in the use of imprecatory prayers (like binding prayers). I have yet to find a church document that defines “private exorcism” in a manner that distinguishes it from an “exorcism” in general.

I would welcome a proper definition of “private exorcism” so I can use it in the future. If someone would please post a reliable source, then I would be grateful.

Some other perspectives from EWTN. Still, I think I would prefer to heir on the side of caution concerning binding prayers until it’s been settled.

Yes. There is clearly misunderstanding and contradictory statements made by our clergy and other religious teachers. Thanks for showing examples of both.

I’ve run into this type of controversy on other topics. It leaves us regular people in a quandary. When experts who have dedicated their lives to God and our faith disagree, what chance do I have at finding the truth?

I know that Jesus is the truth - and the way and the life. I know that Satan is the father of lies.

I know that Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has a gift of wisdom. I trust that prayer and faith will lead me to the proper answer.

 

[kdwagne]

I would also ask your local parish priest for an anointing of the sick. This can be used for someone who is either physically, spiritually, mentally, or emotionally ill.

See the following link from Catholic answers for more information:

catholic.com/tracts/anointing-of-the-sick

God Bless,
May God allow St. Michael to send anything evil to go packing.
Ken

 

[BluesPicker]

I wanted to just add a few things in reply to some of the more recent posts. Although it is good to have a specific Blessing prayer available & a priest who is willing to use it, it is not necessary. If a priest Blesses the salt and oil using a standard blessing, then that is alright too… unless you need it to be exorcised, then that would require a specific prayer & I would assume from an exorcist. The same applies to the St Benedict medals. I have spoken to several priests, including an exorcist about this and was told that any priest can bless these things.

Also wanted to second what Lady Love said about Heart of the Father Ministries, they are Catholic. They are also very well spoken of within the Catholic community. I have personally heard other priests, exorcists, and deliverance ministers speak highly of them. I only recently learned of them this past year and attended a conference as well… good stuff!

Examine the Canon Laws 1166-72 I believe, and you will see that blessings like the one for Epiphany Water can be blessed on any day of the year now and by any priest. This makes it easier to obtain these important sacramentals.

BP

 

[BluesPicker]

Firstly,

  I surely don't want to confuse the OP.     We must never forget Our Savior & Redeemer Jesus Christ  and  His Message of  Love and Humility.   Christianity is all about learning to  live our lives  for Christ and so much so He is Alive within us.

The Church’s traditional teaching concerning the recitation of private exorcism prayers is contained in the Moral Theology manual of Dominicus Prümmer (Vol. II, §463):

" It is not only clerics who can pronounce an exorcism in a private and secret manner, enjoying a special power over the devils in virtue of the order of the exorcistate, but also the laity themselves. It is in no way forbidden to the laity nor does any inconvenient arise from it. Thus we read in history how several lay persons, such as St. Catherine of Siena and St. Anthony of the Desert, cast out devils."

For anyone who wants to make a serious inquiry into  private exorcisms,  please get a Webster's Dictionary and look up  "imprecatory."   Then look up the definition of  "imperative." Phrases like "imprecatory prayer like binding prayers"  just don't make sense, since no cursing is done in binding prayers.  

  Sometime back here in this forum there was a thread about a particular parish church website that promoted  the Exorcism Prayer of Pope Leo XIII.   The website titled this prayer as  "The Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel"  which is a mistake.   At the time I was certain we could pray  St. Leo XIII's  Exorcism prayer.   So during the course of business,  I  was able to  ask an exorcist why we can no longer recite this prayer.   

    He then explained that we are not forbidden to recite this prayer privately.  Certain he was mistaken or  I was missing something  we exchanged emails.

Fr. Dominic Syzmanski, a Franciscan abbot and co-founder of our national shrine to St. Kolbe, published in 1976 published a book called The Truth About the Devil. Fr. Syzmanski was a companion of and personal friend of St. Padre Maximilian Kolbe. The national shrine to St. Kolbe is Marytown which is located in Libertyville, Illinois:

marytown.com/Default.aspx?id=84

I copied a few paragraphs from The Truth About the DevilThese signs shall follow them that believe; In my name they shall cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover.” Mark XVI, 17-18. "

 So an exorcism is either solemn or simple.   And, an exorcism is public or private.  In the  letter  sent to the Ordinaries by  Cardinal Ratzinger,  he was speaking about public solemn exorcisms.  Fr. Amorth states this in his commentary on that letter.

“First, official exorcisms are not allowed; they are reserved exclusively for the exorcist. The same holds true for the exorcism of Leo XIII, even though it is now part of the public domain. The private use of such exorcisms is another matter; at least, this is how I understand the above-cited document.”

   So public solemn exorcisms commonly are called major or official.   I remember when Cardinal Ratzinger wrote that letter.   The minor order of  exorcism was no longer conferred to all priests beginning in the early 70's.   People were attempting to perform exorcisms by asking questions to demons when they manifested sometimes.  Having no authority for the Church they became possessed.

BP

 

[IanGE]

I copied a few paragraphs from The Truth About the DevilThese signs shall follow them that believe; In my name they shall cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover.

” Mark XVI, 17-18. "

   So public solemn exorcisms commonly are called major or official.   I remember when Cardinal Ratzinger wrote that letter.   The minor order of  exorcism was no longer conferred to all priests beginning in the early 70's.   People were attempting to perform exorcisms by asking questions to demons when they manifested sometimes.  Having no authority for the Church they became possessed.

BP

BP’s whole letter is worth reading again but I have highlighted a few of his points, particularly the last. There is, indeed, this danger inherent in deliverence. Thirty years ago I was delivered of some seven evil spirits by my late brother, his wife Anne (who I later married after a time of her widowhood) and their son: all strong Charismatic Catholics. My brother COMMANDED IN THE NAME OF JESUS the spirits to name themselves, which they dutifully did and were bound and cast out in the name of JESUS. One attempted to slide out of me in the form of a serpent and enter Anne, whose left hand was laid on me. Anne saw it in the Holy Spirit and promptly commanded it IN THE NAME OF JESUS to go out the way it came in. It dutifully crawled out along her extended right hand and disappeared.
I forget which Charismatic preacher refused to deliver one person because “you will persist in your sinful actions and invite him back in.” I, too, refused to deliver one young lady: “I know that at the Name of Jesus the evil spirit in you MUST flee, but you’ll go home to watch more of those horror satanic videos you’re hooked on and back he’ll come. Burn all those videos, go to confession and we’ll gladly kick the pest out.” The poor dear was too hooked on her horrid videos (this was those pre-DVD days!) and all we could do was pray the Lord to convict her. Again I must say the Lord won’t act against the free will he has given all of us, but will find another way: “with God, all things are possible”.
PS I must have invited those pests in during those 21 years I was searching for “the True God”. I’m sure it was the prayers of my mother, family and friends and more importantly, “friendly persuasion” from our Lady Mary that pushed me into giving my life to Jesus who could then act! So it took 21 years…God’s timing is perfect!
PPS I recall a “happy clappy” Christmas service when the preacher said, "we love to give and receive gifts at Christmas, but what can we give God who is truly the one person who has everything? Well, there is one gift: our free will and God will delightedly say, “For ME?” and give you a cuddle!

 

[buzzoff1031]

I do think that we have the ability to pray for ourselves, when necessary, for the sake of removing demonic influence. I also think that being fearful of demons is the way that Satan wants us to be. However, the question remains for: Should we, as lay people, address demons directly in the name of Christ?

 

[Nelka]

Jesus Christ Divine Mercy to St. Faustina.

378

And even if the sins of soul are as dark as night, when the sinner turns to My mercy he gives Me the greatest praise and is the glory of My Passion. When a soul praises My goodness, Satan trembles before it and flees to the very bottom of hell.

Start praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet and do not cease.

 

[buzzoff1031]

Jesus Christ Divine Mercy to St. Faustina.

378

And even if the sins of soul are as dark as night, when the sinner turns to My mercy he gives Me the greatest praise and is the glory of My Passion. When a soul praises My goodness, Satan trembles before it and flees to the very bottom of hell.

Start praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet and do not cease.

So I’ve heard.

 

[Sonic]

This is information from Fr. Jose Antonio Fortea (exorcist). I thought I’d provide it here to give his perspective.

What is the prayer of liberation?

Liberation prayer is the prayer that is done to put an end to the influence of the devil in a person. It is usually performed only by a priest or by a group of lay people (with or without a priest) who pray to God for the person to be released from any demonic influence.

An exorcism conjures up the devil… in the prayer of liberation, on the contrary, the prayer is directed to God.

If it’s a group of charismatic renewal, then it will be extremely useful to the group to pray in tongues. If someone in the Group wants to command directly to the devil, that group should have authorization of the Bishop of the place to do such a thing.

The prayer of exorcism requires an authorization for each case. But for a liberation prayer group to command directly to the demons to order them to leave, a general authorization for all cases would suffice.

I insist that even if at some point, there is an ordering of the demon to come out of that person, it is not an exorcism. It is not an exorcism because there is not a possession. It’s an order just to come out of that person in order to stop an influence. But if it lacks such episcopal permission, just pray to God to make Him the one that destroys the power of the demon on the subject.

Although the prayer to God is enough, it is also very useful to a group to go to the demon and order him out. And so for example instruct the spirit of depression or alcohol, etc, to come out.

The prayers of liberation sometimes achieve their effect in a few minutes, but on occasions may take many sessions. Far from being mild, the influence can be a very persistent and phenomenon with serious consequences on the health of the person.

Therefore, there may be cases in which it’s best that the subject is passed through one of these groups once a week to pray for him a few minutes each time: five minutes, ten or fifteen. In cases of influence, the increase in the prayer life of the person can break these ties of the demon on his body and his soul. Exorcismus missionalis, appearing in this work, can be prayed by the same person every day, which would be a prayer of self-liberation.

Prayer of release groups must teach those (who are lead to them asking for help), to perform these prayers of self-liberation. Because it happens frequently that a person comes to the group asking for release, but the person concerned does not usually work too hard. In cases of influence, the person concerned can do as much for his release as the group.

source: fortea.us (webpage inside exorcist forum - linking directly may require password access to view)

The Original Spanish:

¿Qué es la oración de liberación?

La oración de liberación es la oración que se hace para acabar con la influencia del demonio en una persona. Suele realizarse por parte de un sacerdote sólo o por un grupo de laicos (con o sin un sacerdote) que oran a Dios para la persona sea liberada de toda influencia demoniaca. Si en el exorcismo uno conjura al demonio, en la oración de liberación, por el contrario, la oración va dirigida a Dios. Si se trata de un grupo de la Renovación Carismática será utilísimo que el grupo ore en lenguas. Si alguien del grupo quisiera dirigirse al demonio directamente, ese grupo debería tener autorización del obispo del lugar para hacer tal cosa. Para la oración de exorcismo se requiere una autorización para cada caso. Pero para que un grupo de oración de liberación pudiera dirigirse directamente a los demonios para ordenarles que salieran, bastaría una autorización general para todos los casos. Insisto en que aunque haya algún momento en que se ordene al demonio salir de esa persona, no es un exorcismo. No es un exorcismo porque no hay una posesión. Se ordena tan solo que salga de esa persona para que cese una influencia. Pero si se carece de tal autorización episcopal, bastará orar a Dios para que sea El el que destruya el poder del demonio sobre ese sujeto.

Aunque la oración a Dios basta, resulta muy útil a un grupo poder dirigirse directamente al demonio y ordenarle que salga. Y así ordenar por ejemplo al espíritu de depresión o de alcohol, etc, que salga.

Las oraciones de liberación a veces logran su efecto en pocos minutos, pero en ocasiones pueden ser necesarias muchas sesiones. La influencia lejos de ser algo leve, puede ser un fenómeno muy persistente y con graves consecuencias en la salud de la persona. Por eso puede haber casos en que lo mejor sea que el sujeto se pase por uno de estos grupos una vez a la semana para que oren por él unos cuantos minutos cada vez: cinco minutos, diez o quince. En los casos de influencia el incremento de la vida de oración de la persona puede romper esas ataduras del demonio sobre su cuerpo y su alma. El exorcismus missionalis que aparece en esta obra puede ser rezado por la misma persona cada día, lo cual constituiría una oración de autoliberación.

Los grupos de oración de liberación deben enseñar a los que se dirigan a ellos pidiendo ayuda, a realizar estas oraciones de autoliberación. Pues ocurre con cierta frecuencia que estas personas piden toda la liberación de estos grupos, pero el interesado no suele esforzarse demasiado. En los casos de influencia, el interesado puede hacer tanto por su liberación como el grupo.

Why is the bishop’s permission necessary for an exorcism?

In the beginning, in the primitive Church, there was no need of the bishop’s permission. This ministry was carried out whenever it was seen fit. Nevertheless, soon the norm was set according to which no one could exorcise without the bishop’s authorization. This can be seen already back in the year 416, the year Pope Innocent I wrote a letter to Bishop Gubbio in which he stated:

“You must take charitable care of those baptized persons, who although baptized, become possessed by the devil, as a result of some vice or sin. A priest or deacon can be designated to this end, since carrying out the exorcism is not licit without the bishop’s mandate.”

Why did the Church establish this norm? The Church realized that this field required a special prudence. Prudence in order to avoid that “illuminated” people or “visionaries” act independently. Besides, it was sufficiently delicate a field that the imprudent action of a clergyman could do damage, especially to the supposedly possessed person and to the prestige of the Church at large. For this reason a special vigilance was placed on this ministry. Vigilance which is comes down specifically to the restriction which appears in the 5th century in the aforementioned letter. It is curious to add that in the East this ministry was exercised as a charismatic activity which did not require the Bishop’s express authorization.

Some recommended prayers linked through Fr. Fortea’s website are the ones in Fr. Amorth’s Appendix entitled Prayers of Deliverance. (corazones.org/oraciones/liberacion_oracion.htm)

In case of diabolic influence and no access to a prayer group, there is a recommended prayer here at his website:

fortea.us/english/respuestas/influencias.htm

 

[Sonic]

The following prayers are also recommended by Fr. Fortea:

I have mentioned before that it is convenient, in the previous silent personal prayer, to pray to God to inspire us what to do. This is very important, because the exorcism, as well as the prayer of liberation, supposes a authentic fight with spiritual entities. That is why we need to ask for God to enlighten us for this battle. It is a battle in which we attack and the devils resist. When we pray the litanies of the Saints we are asking for the armies of heaven to come to our aid. The affected person himself can carry out a “self-liberation” every day with prayers that come in the Appendix II of the Ritual for Exorcisms.

The priest who dedicates himself to this ministry of receiving people who suffer influences of the devil should keep on hand photocopies of these prayers of the Appendix II of the Ritual. The priest is for these people just like the doctor who offers them a medicine without any counter-indications. It is a shame that the Church have at its disposal such a treasure of prayers that at times remains without use or fruitless. Even if the person does not have any diabolic influence, these prayers will offer not only a psychological calming for the person who looks desperately for help, but also a true outpouring of Grace on God’s part.

The ritual was generic in the title of that Appendix, because those prayers are offered to everyone, and the God’s real action will be beneficial both for those who suffer the influence of the devil, as well as for those who suffer from problems of autosuggestion or pathological fear.

What follows are some of those prayers from the Appendix II of the Ritual for Exorcisms. All of them can be used in the prayer of liberation.

Almighty God,
who brings the abandoned to live in your house
and grants happiness to the captive,
look upon my affliction,
and come to my help,
Defeat the iniquitous enemy ,
so that, once the presence of the adversary has been overcome,
my freedom will reach its rest,
and once the serene devotion has been restored
I may be able to proclaim that You are admirable
and have granted Your strength to your people.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Invocations to Our Lord Jesus Christ.
…

Jesus, Son of the Living God,… have mercy on me.
Jesus, Image of the Father,
Jesus, eternal Wisdom,
Jesus, splendor of eternal light,
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary,
Jesus, God and man.
Jesus, High Priest,
Jesus, Herald of the Kingdom of God,
Jesus, Way, Truth and Life,
Jesus, bread of life,
Jesus, true vine,
Jesus, brother of the poor,
Jesus, friend of sinners,
Jesus, physician of body and soul,
Jesus, salvation of the oppressed.
Jesus, consolation of the abandoned,
You who came to this world…have mercy on me.
You who freed the oppressed by the Devil,
You who hung from the Cross,
You, who died for us,
You, who lay in a tomb,
You, who descended into hell,
You, who resurrected from among the dead.
You, who ascended into Heaven,
You, who sent the Holy Spirit to the apostles,
You, who sit at the right hand of the Father,
You, who will come to judge the living and the dead.
By your Incarnation, …Free me, Lord
By your birth
By your baptism and holy Fast
By your Cross and Passion,
By your death and Resurrection,
By your admirable Ascension,
By the outpouring of the Holy Spirit,
By your glorious coming,
Save me, Christ the Saviour, by the strength of your Cross + [the person can make the sign of the Cross]
You who saved Peter in the sea, have mercy on me.
By the sign of the Cross +
Free us from our enemies, Our God.
By your Cross + save us, Christ redemptor,
who, dieing, destroyed our death
and rising from the dead, restored life
We honor your Cross +, Lord
we remember your glorious Passion.
Have mercy on us, You who suffered for us.
We adore you Christ and we bless you
who by your holy Cross + redeemed the world.

Invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary
…

We fly to your protection, Holy Mother of God.
Despise not our petitions,
but in your mercy, free us from all danger, Oh glorious and blessed Virgin.

Consoler of the afflicted, pray for us
Help of Christians, pray for us.

Grant me to praise you, sacred Virgin
Give me strength against your enemies.

Mother of my trust.

Virgin Mother of God, Mary, intercede with Jesus in my favor

source: fortea.us (webpage inside exorcist forum - linking directly may require password access to view)

 

[Sonic]

Jesus Christ Divine Mercy to St. Faustina.

378

And even if the sins of soul are as dark as night, when the sinner turns to My mercy he gives Me the greatest praise and is the glory of My Passion. When a soul praises My goodness, Satan trembles before it and flees to the very bottom of hell.

Start praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet and do not cease.

Very good advice! Thank you!

 

[BluesPicker]

I do think that we have the ability to pray for ourselves, when necessary, for the sake of removing demonic influence. I also think that being fearful of demons is the way that Satan wants us to be. However, the question remains for: Should we, as lay people, address demons directly in the name of Christ?

We  can address them as they are related to their attack  like "spirit of depression"  or "spirit of deception."   We can also use proper names that are in the Bible in the context of prayer.  But  I believe  and from experience it is better to use  names related to their attack or even  "All spirits not of Heaven."

Important Sacramentals: Private Use of Binding Prayers

The Church’s traditional teaching concerning the recitation of private exorcism prayers is contained in the Moral Theology manual of Dominicus Prümmer (Vol. II, §463):

" It is not only clerics who can pronounce an exorcism in a private and secret manner, enjoying a special power over the devils in virtue of the order of the exorcistate, but also the laity themselves. It is in no way forbidden to the laity nor does any inconvenient arise from it. Thus we read in history how several lay persons, such as St. Catherine of Siena and St. Anthony of the Desert, cast out devils."

  Above is a sermon by a priest from the Priestly Fraternity of  St. Peter.  

 Prayers of liberation and prayers of deliverance are by definition private and simple exorcisms.  "Private"  & "simple"  formal Church terms used to describe various rites.

  Below is the Prayer of  St. Michael which can be used as private exorcism or prayer of liberation.  Notice it is for infestations not possessions.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
by Pope Leo XIII

Translated from the Latin Text found in the Rituale Romanum

O Glorious Prince of the heavenly host, Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle and in the struggle, which is ours against the princes and powers, against the rulers of the world of these shadows, against the spiritual beings of worthlessness, in the heavens. Come to the aid of men, whom God created inextinguishable, and made to the image of His own likeness, and bought from the tyranny of the devil at a great price. Fight today the battles of the Lord with the army of the blessed Angels, as thou did fight against Lucifer, the leader of pride, and all his apostate angels: and indeed they did not prevail, nor was their place found any more in Heaven. But that great dragon was cast forth, the ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, who seduces the whole globe; and he was cast forth upon Earth, and his angels were sent with him.

Lo! the ancient enemy and homicide has been fiercely aroused. Transfigured into an angel of light, with the whole troop of malign spirits he entirely surrounds and invades the Earth, to blot out in it the Name of God and of His Christ, and to steal, slay, and destroy in sempiternal ruin, the souls destined for a crown of eternal glory. The venom of his worthlessness, as the most unclean river, the evil-doing dragon pours into men depraved in mind and corrupt in heart; a spirit of lying, impiety and blasphemy; and a breath of morteferous luxury, of all vices and iniquities.

Be favorable to the Church, the spouse of the Immaculate Lamb, whom enemies have filled with bitterness, and inebriated with wormwood; upon all Her desirable things they have layed their impious hands. Where the See of the most blessed Peter and the Cathedra of Truth has been constituted as a light to the nations, there they have placed a throne of their abomination and impiety; so that with the Pastor struck, they may prevail to disperse the flock.

Therefore be present, most unconquered Leader, against the spiritual worthlessnesses bursting upon the people of God, and bring about a victory. Thou are venerated by Holy Church as Her guard and patron; Thou are glorified as the defender against the nefarious, earthly and infernal powers; to thee the Lord has handed over the souls of the redeemed to be placed in supernal felicity. Entreat the God of peace, to obliterate Satan beneath our feet, lest he prevail further to hold men captive, and to injure the Church. Offer our prayers in the sight of the Most High, so that the mercies of the Lord may swiftly overcome us, and apprehend the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and satan, and send him bound into the abyss, so that he may no more seduce the nations. Henceforth having been confided to thy escort and protection, we sacred ministers by our authority [if recited by a layman, or cleric who has not yet taken up the order of exorcist, say instead, "by the authority of Holy Mother Church[/COLOR]], trusting and fearless in the Name of Jesus Christ, Our God and Lord, we undertake to repell the infestations of diabolic deceit.

V. Behold the Cross of the Lord, fly adverse parties.
R. The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the root of David, has conquered.

V. Let Thy mercy be upon us Lord.
R. As much as we hope in Thee.

V. Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

[if recited by at least a deacon add the following:

V. The Lord be with you all.
R. And with thy spirit.]

Let us pray.

O God, and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we invoke Thy Holy Name, and as supplicants we implore Thy clemency so that, through the intercession of Mary, the Immaculate ever-Virgin Theotokos, of blessed Michael the Archangel, of blessed Joseph, the Spouse of the same blessed Virgin, of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the Saints, Thou may deign to offer us aid against Satan, and all the other unclean spirits, who wander through the world to injure the human race and to destroy souls. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

I in no way endorse or encourage anyone to attempt to perform a solemn exorcism as a lay person or even a priest without faculties.
I do encourage people to pray for themselves and not to be afraid to do so.

 

[buzzoff1031]

As always BP, thank you. And I should take another moment to thank everyone else that has contributed on this thread. The information that I have gained has been truly and most helpful.