Gaining relief from demonic opression

[buzzoff1031]

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!

 

[lsbar]

III. Invocation of the Entire Heavenly Court
O Glorious Queen of Heaven and earth, Virgin Most Powerful, thou who have the
power to crush the head of the ancient serpent with thy heel, come and exercise this
power flowing from the grace of thine Immaculate Conception. Shield us under the
mantle of thy purity and love, draw us into the sweet abode of thy heart and
annihilate and render impotent the forces bent on destroying us. Come Most
Sovereign Mistress of the Holy Angels and Mistress of the Most Holy Rosary, thou
who from the very beginning hast received from God the power and the mission to
crush the head of Satan. We humbly beseech thee, send forth thy holy legions, that
under thy command and by thy power they may pursue the evil spirits, encounter
them on every side, resist their bold attacks and drive them far from us, harming no
one on the way, binding them immobile to the foot of the Cross to be judged and
sentenced by Jesus Christ Thy Son and to be disposed of by Him as He wills. St.
Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, come to our aid in this grave battle against
the forces of darkness, repel the attacks of the devil and free your son (daughter) N.,
from the strong hold the enemy has upon his (her) soul. St. Michael, summon the
entire heavenly court to engage their forces in this fierce battle against the powers
of hell. Come O Prince of Heaven with thy mighty sword and thrust into hell Satan
and all the other evil spirits. O Guardian Angels, guide and protect us. Amen.

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense against the
wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do
thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into hell Satan and
all evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen

 

[Sonic]

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!

Buzz, it sounds like you might be describing obsession and not oppression, but that can be a very bad thing, too. That obsession should only be diagnosed once every psychological and physical influence is ruled out.

From Fr. Amorth’s book An Exorcist Tells His Story page 34

Diabolic Obsession. Symptoms include sudden attacks, at times ongoing, of obsessive thoughts, sometimes even rationally absurd, but of such nature thatthe victim is unable to free himself. Therefore the obsessed person lives in a perpetual state of prostration, desperation, and attempts at suicide. Almost always obsession influences dreams. Some people will say that this is evidence of mental illness, requiring services of a psychiatrist or psychologist. the same could be said of all forms of demonic phenomena. Some symptoms, however, are so inconsistent with known illnesses that they point with certainty to their evil origins. Only an expert and well-trained eye can identify the crucial differences.

From Fr. Amorth’s book An Exorcist Tells His Story page 33

Diabolical Oppression. Symptoms vary from a very serious to a mild illness. There is no possession, loss of consciousness, or involuntary action and word. The Bible gives us many examples of oppression; one of them is Job. He was not possessed, but he lost his children, his goods, and his health. the bent woman and the deaf and dumb man who were cured by Jesus were not subject to total possession, but there was a demonic presence that caused physical discomfort. Saint Paul was most certainly not possessed by a demon , but he had a demonic oppression that cause an evil affliction: “And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me” (2 Cor !2:7. There is no doubt the evil origin of the affliction.

While possessions are still relatively rare today, we exorcists run into a great number of people who have been struck by the devil in their health, jobs, or relationships. We must make it clear that to diagnose and heal an oppression-related illness is not any easier than to diagnose and cure a person afflicted by full possession. The degree of gravity may be different, but the difficulty of the diagnosis and the amount of time involved in healing are the same.

First of all, please go seek advice from a good priest that is receptive to your plight in order to help you start your diagnosis.

Also, you might want to check out these two sources:

Adam Blai’s website is very good concerning the psychological information, what you need to do to document your problem, and how to find help. There is also a list of prayers.

religiousdemonology.com/index.htm

Fr. Ripperger’s Audio Seminar on Spiritual Warfare is on this page, and is very good with explaining what you need to do concerning sacramentals, prayers, and blessings. It’s also very informative about the subject. Listen to the seminar and take notes.

sensustraditionis.org/multimedia.html

 

[Sonic]

Also be very careful of the advice you read in these forums. Many people will in fact give you wrong advice… usually because they are misinformed on the subject or because they wish to mislead someone into the occult. Do not rely on this message board alone. Seek real help from a priest, bishop, or spiritual adviser.

A note on psychics and healers:

From Fr. Amorth’s book An Exorcist tells His Story pg 137

Norm number 8 of the Ritual for exorcisms cautions against referring those who are the target of curses to sorcerers or warlocks or other individuals who are not ministers of the Church. The use of any form of superstition or other illicit means is an attempt to be healed is forbidden. Experience teaches that this warning is necessary. Sorcerers are many; exorcists are rare. Unfortunately, some writers have advised going to a sorcerer for help against curses, even if the patient suspects that he will be the target of another curse. Such advice is an unpardonable mistake, especially coming from well-regarded and experience authors, in books that are otherwise praiseworthy.

Why?

On page 140-141 Fr. Amorth gives an example that often the sorcerer or psychic has placed a curse on the person to keep him coming back over and over again to be healed (in order to extract payment or favors from the ill person). A sorcerer may even be the origin of the illness to begin with. If the person was simply medically sick, then they may end up with a curse on top of it.

 

[buzzoff1031]

Do all priests know prayers of deliverance? I know there are certain priests given the job of exorcist, and only they are allowed to perform solemn exorcisms. However, as I said, I really pretty sure that I’m not possesed. Never act completely out of my control. But I do think that deliverance prayers are needed from my priest. I saw on Adam Blei’s site that any baptized Christian can say these deliverance prayers over a person, but it is recommended that a priest do it. So, again, do all priests already know these prayers? Should I track some down and bring them and insist it’s done? How does this work exactly? (And I’m going to download that seminar as soon as I have the opportunity). Thanks for the answers thus far. I’m just at my whit’s end here and don’t really know what to do.

 

[Sonic]

Do all priests know prayers of deliverance? I know there are certain priests given the job of exorcist, and only they are allowed to perform solemn exorcisms. However, as I said, I really pretty sure that I’m not possesed. Never act completely out of my control. But I do think that deliverance prayers are needed from my priest. I saw on Adam Blei’s site that any baptized Christian can say these deliverance prayers over a person, but it is recommended that a priest do it. So, again, do all priests already know these prayers? Should I track some down and bring them and insist it’s done? How does this work exactly? (And I’m going to download that seminar as soon as I have the opportunity). Thanks for the answers thus far. I’m just at my whit’s end here and don’t really know what to do.

All priests know prayers and blessings of deliverance (or should) and can give them. It’s part of their training to become a priest. That is something you will learn in the audio seminar.

You can seek out a priest from the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, as well. Fr. Ripperger is a member of this order as well as an exorcist. You can search for a parish where they have priests at their website.

Here is their website:

fssp.org/en/index.htm

 

[Sonic]

How does this work exactly?

Sorry, I should have answered this directly. You just have to find a priest who will listen. You can call your diocese for advice on seeking help and a spiritual adviser (usually a priest who specializes in faithful who have problems like spiritual or mental illnesses). Deacons can also be very helpful in finding help.

I’m not sure what else I can say other than be persistent and pray to Our Lady and the Angels for their intercession in finding help.

 

[Vigilant]

Here is a good place to start:

saint-mike.org/

Do some digging, and you will also find their Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog. I can tell you with complete certainty, the Hedge Prayer works. But it’s just one weapon. You will very likely need to build up an entire arsenal. The St. Michael Chaplet is another powerful weapon, and works well, if prayed fervently, and daily. You probably won’t notice the effect for a while, but if you ever stop, you may very likely see what you’re missing. You can pray it on a regular Rosary.

If you are Catholic, attend Mass and confess often. The Sacraments are everything the Church says they are, and more. Unfortunately, it took me many years to understand this.

Divine Mercy Chaplet. This is powerful as well, and can be prayed on a regular Rosary.

Recite the Scriptural version of the Way of the Cross. Every night, before bed. This too is a powerful form of prayer.

Buy at least two Rosaries, and have them blessed by a Priest. Wear one around your neck at all times. Look into the Brown Scapular as well.

If you really want to go thermonuclear, buy a nice statue of Blessed Mary, have it blessed, and keep it by your bed. Buy two or more Crucifixes, and have them blessed as well. Hang one over your bed, where you sleep. Sleep with a blessed Rosary in one hand, and a blessed Crucifix in the other.

Pray at least every morning and every night, for yourself, your family, your friends, etc. Pray to Blessed Mary, and ask Her to guide you.

Find a Priest who knows how to exorcise water and salt, not just bless it. Once he exorcises both the water and salt, he can mix some salt with the water, and say a third blessing over the combination. THAT… is Holy Water at it finest. Also, shake a moderate amount of exorcised salt on your supper, or in a glass of drinking water. This little added touch really helps.

Above all, I would look at this as an opportunity to come closer to God, and hopefully to Blessed Mary as well. Things may even get a bit worse at first when you begin to fight back, but persevere. Consider this a gift from God. And persevere.

 

[buzzoff1031]

Sorry, I should have answered this directly. You just have to find a priest who will listen. You can call your diocese for advice on seeking help and a spiritual adviser (usually a priest who specializes in faithful who have problems like spiritual or mental illnesses). Deacons can also be very helpful in finding help.

I’m not sure what else I can say other than be persistent and pray to Our Lady and the Angels for their intercession in finding help.

Thank you. I think my priest will be open to this if I tell him what I’ve posted here. The closest FSSP parish is 4 hours away–which may have to receive a visit if I’m unable to get help elsewhere.

 

[BluesPicker]

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!

Dear Friend,

   You have a lot of courage.You are feeling the effects of sin on your conscience.  Firstly, you need to go to confession every chance you can get.  Unless your friend is attached to a priestly ministry and is recognized,  I would not use that name.  Far better would be to say,

"Dear Father God, Merciful and Kind, Who sent His only Son into this World
Dear Jesus Christ, my Savior, My Redeemer,
Dear Holy Spirit, Spirit of Love that proceeds from the Father and the Son,
Most Blessed and Holy Trinity,

I beg you deliver me for this spirit of lust, this spirit of apathy towards others,
this spirit of emptiness, this spirit of oppression, etc. etc.

Name the problem and identify it as spirit of “Problem.”
(in case you miss something say the next line)
Deliver me Lord, from any spirit not of Heaven.

Lord God, Most Holy Trinity, I give you thanks & Praise for answering my Prayers,
In the Name of Jesus Christ,
I ask today for an in-filling of the Holy Spirit.
Please fill the empty spaces inside of me left by these departing
spirits not of Heaven.
Fill all the empty spaces within me with your peace,
your love, your healing, and your joy.
I also ask for an increase and release of all the gifts,
power, and fruits of the Holy Spirit.
The Gift of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Gift of Faith,
Gift of Healing, Miracles, Prophecy, Discernment of Spirits,
Gift of Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Deliverance,
Inner Healing, the Gift of Teaching, Gift of Evangelization,
the Gift of Service, the Gift of Encouragement,
Gift of Leadership, the Gift of Preaching,
and the Gifts of Joy and Laughter
so that I may use these gifts cheerfully
and enjoy the abundant life You have promise.
Amen

I promise if you sincerely plead to the Lord, He will deliver you.
From what you describe, thankfully, it is outside of you,
tempting & by the mercy of God, you feel the effects of grievous sin.

If a demon is named in the Bible, you need not be afraid,
to include it in your prayers. However, many exorcists will pray
just as I said, in solemn exorcism. But this is not fully oppression.
And in deliverance, we pray just like that.

Now some people do have a Charism of the Holy Spirit,
and know the names of Demons because it is revealed by
the Holy Spirit.

Commonly ocultists call upon demon names in spells.

The way our society is set up, it is backwards.
People are generally ready to marry around 26 and begin
in debt. Large families where the children worked helping
the parents in their enterprises has hardly a place today.

We are caught up in it. Scarcely anyone ask God “is this
what you want my life work to be? Do I have your permission to
do this?” Nope some test tells you what do or some other
worldly system. When you put God first, you receive His Joy.
Money can’t make you happy.

But Christ knows our troubles.

We can’t do it without inviting Christ into our lives and then
listening closely to what He puts in our Heart of Hearts.
The Lord will provide.

BP

 

[buzzoff1031]

Dear Friend,

   You have a lot of courage.You are feeling the effects of sin on your conscience.  Firstly, you need to go to confession every chance you can get.  Unless your friend is attached to a priestly ministry and is recognized,  I would not use that name.  Far better would be to say,

"Dear Father God, Merciful and Kind, Who sent His only Son into this World
Dear Jesus Christ, my Savior, My Redeemer,
Dear Holy Spirit, Spirit of Love that proceeds from the Father and the Son,
Most Blessed and Holy Trinity,

I beg you deliver me for this spirit of lust, this spirit of apathy towards others,
this spirit of emptiness, this spirit of oppression, etc. etc.

Name the problem and identify it as spirit of “Problem.”
(in case you miss something say the next line)
Deliver me Lord, from any spirit not of Heaven.

Lord God, Most Holy Trinity, I give you thanks & Praise for answering my Prayers,
In the Name of Jesus Christ,
I ask today for an in-filling of the Holy Spirit.
Please fill the empty spaces inside of me left by these departing
spirits not of Heaven.
Fill all the empty spaces within me with your peace,
your love, your healing, and your joy.
I also ask for an increase and release of all the gifts,
power, and fruits of the Holy Spirit.
The Gift of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Gift of Faith,
Gift of Healing, Miracles, Prophecy, Discernment of Spirits,
Gift of Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Deliverance,
Inner Healing, the Gift of Teaching, Gift of Evangelization,
the Gift of Service, the Gift of Encouragement,
Gift of Leadership, the Gift of Preaching,
and the Gifts of Joy and Laughter
so that I may use these gifts cheerfully
and enjoy the abundant life You have promise.
Amen

I promise if you sincerely plead to the Lord, He will deliver you.
From what you describe, thankfully, it is outside of you,
tempting & by the mercy of God, you feel the effects of grievous sin.

If a demon is named in the Bible, you need not be afraid,
to include it in your prayers. However, many exorcists will pray
just as I said, in solemn exorcism. But this is not fully oppression.
And in deliverance, we pray just like that.

Now some people do have a Charism of the Holy Spirit,
and know the names of Demons because it is revealed by
the Holy Spirit.

Commonly ocultists call upon demon names in spells.

The way our society is set up, it is backwards.
People are generally ready to marry around 26 and begin
in debt. Large families where the children worked helping
the parents in their enterprises has hardly a place today.

We are caught up in it. Scarcely anyone ask God “is this
what you want my life work to be? Do I have your permission to
do this?” Nope some test tells you what do or some other
worldly system. When you put God first, you receive His Joy.
Money can’t make you happy.

But Christ knows our troubles.

We can’t do it without inviting Christ into our lives and then
listening closely to what He puts in our Heart of Hearts.
The Lord will provide.

BP

Thank you. Getting this out into the open (well in a sort of way), has actually already given me a bit of peace. I still have a loooong way to go I’m sure. I hope everyone who reads this will pray, not only for me, but for my wife as well.

 

[Pat_Payne]

Buzzoff, I have a lot of the same problems, some of which are due to my attempting to get over addiction issues, but also what I’ve been told is mild OCD. This may be of some help to you, from Jimmy Akin’s website:

jimmyakin.com/2005/04/a_crown_of_thor.html

Your problems may by psychological or physical in nature, rather than spiritual. Definetly don’t discount the spiritual, but get the psychological or physical side of the house checked out too.

May God bless you and keep you.

 

[Sonic]

Here is a good place to start:

saint-mike.org/

Please, be careful with this website and use prudence when viewing it’s information.

Here is a review of the website from Catholic Culture:

catholicculture.org/culture/reviews/view.cfm?recnum=144

 

[Sonic]

Buzzoff, I have a lot of the same problems, some of which are due to my attempting to get over addiction issues, but also what I’ve been told is mild OCD. This may be of some help to you, from Jimmy Akin’s website:

jimmyakin.com/2005/04/a_crown_of_thor.html

Your problems may by psychological or physical in nature, rather than spiritual. Definetly don’t discount the spiritual, but get the psychological or physical side of the house checked out too.

May God bless you and keep you.

Very good advice! I agree!

 

[buzzoff1031]

Please, be careful with this website and use prudence when viewing it’s information.

Here is a review of the website from Catholic Culture:

catholicculture.org/culture/reviews/view.cfm?recnum=144

Good thing I saw this post before I applied to this center. Good advice on the site, but something told me not to trust them enough to apply to them. Almost did though. Also, I think OCD is a strong possiblity for me. I’ve never been diagnosed, but I tend to obsess over things–my faith being one. I’m not talking about trying to live my life in accordance with the teachings of our Church. I’m talking about constantly thinking about religion to the point of alienating those around me (my wife included). I must always be learning more about angels and demons and Saints and the Bible and researching, researching, researching. Always. So, this, I think, is the avenue I must explore. Thanks again all. And continue to pray.

 

[onceablasphemer]

It took me many years to defeat my pornography addiction, and I firmly believe I did not do it but was given the grace to. I began at the age of 10. I spent 14 years warping my mind with it. I was freed before my last Lent as a non-Catholic.

I suggest starting by getting a crucifix with the medal of St. Benedict. Try, if you can, to find a Benedictine priest to bless the crucifix. Wear it devoutly. Learn the prayers inscribed on the medal. They are exorcism prayers. It sounds as if your problems are a mix of both psychological and spiritual issues. Pornography is inherently evil. Most of the women in the films were sexually abused as children and are drug addicts.

I read an interesting article in a newspaper a few years ago about pornography. It literally changes your brain. You must make a clean break from it. This is a difficult journey to take. I suggest having your wife put parental controls on your computer. Do not even look at suggestive, non pornographic images. If you know a website has images of scantily dressed women, do not go to it, regardless of your intent. It will take time before you can come across these things unintentionally without them triggering your addiction. Do not fool yourself, this is a serious addiction. It is on the same level as a drug addiction, if not worse. Your wife needs to understand this as well, and support you. If it takes getting rid of the internet, so be it. I suggest not watching TV as well because it is a major enabler. Spend time with your wife, go for walks. Take a class at a community college together. Rekindle the flame that brought you together. When you took her hand in marriage you promised her that she would be the epitome of women to you. What is your marriage worth to you?

You may feel otherwise but you are here seeking help because you do care. Pornography is an addiction that enables great selfishness. It allows us to think only of gratifying our own sexual desires, regardless of the cost of others. You are not possessed brother, but you are playing with fire. You will be in my prayers and if you need to talk to someone, PM me.

 

[onceablasphemer]

Also, our Blessed Mother is of great help with these things. I suggest praying a rosary (or more) every day, with confession at least once a week and fasting. Start with something simple like no meat on Fridays, or not drinking any beverage but water one day a week. It is good to learn self control this way. Do the first Friday devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus(going to Mass and receiving communion every first Friday of the month for 9 months). You and your wife are in my prayers.

 

[buzzoff1031]

I’m in an area that’s fairly limited, church-wise. I do think that God will give me the strength to fight this. I think, with the advice and opinions I’ve been given here, that I am selfish above all. This is, perhaps, the crux of my problem. Maybe I should find ways to begin serving my wife in love. I just don’t know where to begin. I feel, in a way, like I’m brand new in Christ again…like I’m starting over…

 

[buzzoff1031]

Also, our Blessed Mother is of great help with these things. I suggest praying a rosary (or more) every day, with confession at least once a week and fasting. Start with something simple like no meat on Fridays, or not drinking any beverage but water one day a week. It is good to learn self control this way. Do the first Friday devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus(going to Mass and receiving communion every first Friday of the month for 9 months). You and your wife are in my prayers.

Thank you for this, and your previous post. I may, in fact, PM you. This is a hard fight. I will need allies.

 

[IanGE]

I was once possessed by evil spirits. God ordered me to go see my brother; I was terrified by His voice and fled to see him. My late brother, his wife (now widow, who I later married) and their son were all Born Again Catholics, which I scoffed at. My brother went to a Full Gospel meeting, at which the members all laid hands on him to return and pray over me.
As Herbert opened the front door I felt deathy afraid and said “something evil has entered the house”: the evil IN me saw the Holy Spirit in Herbert as a deadly enemy. Herbie said, “oh! that’s what’s wrong with you”, rolled up his sleeves and laid hands on me, assisted by Anne and Dave. I cannot remember what followed but was told Herbert ordered the evil spirit, in the Name of Jesus, to name itself, then ordered it out of me. Seven times this happened, each time my voice changed. Finally Herbie ordered “if there ia anyone else in there, name yourself in the Name of Jesus” and a whiny playful voice answered, “there is only me, spirit of fun (or something like that), I mean no harm, let me stay.” Herbert ordered it out in the name of Jesus and the next day I felt curiously empty. Normally I needed to distract my thoughts by reading, listening to the Hi-Fi AND watching TV all at the same time. But now I enjoyed the silence in wonder.
Herbert told me it was imperative for me to be filled with the Holy Spirit otherwise the evil spirits would return and, in Jesus’ words, “find their home clean and swept and re-enter, inviting seven of tthir friends, so thstate of the man is worse than ever.” I was still Catholic enough to insist that a Catholic priest laid hands on me, not any of his Full Gospel protestants. Father David Ryan, a Charismatic Catholic priest, came and laid hands on me and it was a Damascus Road job: 28th September 1982, 7.45PM!!!
Since then I remain an awed believer in the Power of Jesus. There was a young woman in in a hospital chapel service, making a nuisance of herself. Afterwards, I went her and said, “I have a gift for you”, touched her forehead and commanded “in the Name of Jesus, LOOSE HER!”. She flew backward a dozen feet transfixed to the wall for a second. I don’t who was most surprised, the girl, the witnesses or me!
Later, someone asked me to exorcise a friend. I knew that, despite the Power of Jesus (see Mark. 16: 17 &18) it is wise to go in pairs (as a teacher said, to watch each other’s backs!). I asked my Parish priest, a holy man full of love for the Father, and he declined, warning me and telling me there were very few exorcist priests and he wasn’t one of them. I tried asking among our Charismatic prayer group but none understood and believed in Jesus’ signs that follow the believer.
What I’m really saying is for anyone obsessed or possessed to try first the Church, then try your nearest Charimatic group. But many Charismatics have not been taught the power gifts. Once upon a time, Charismatics evangelised by stressing the power gifts and the prosperity gospel, but no more thank God. People attracted by those gospels are usually disappointed. I gave my life to Jesus and gifts followed but even I began to worship the gifts and, after one or two miraculous healings, began to puff up with pride, forgetting where the gifts came from.
When we went on our first mission to India I asked the Lord which gospel I should use. “Tell them I died on the cross for love of them, Ian”. My first speak in India I said, “we have come from England to bring Jesus’ love to you, but I find it’s already here and you are giving Jesus’ love to ME!”