PRAYER and FASTING
Session Three
Deliverance in the name of Jesus
REFLECTION
The Christian tradition teaches that the breakdown of humanity’s relationship with God occurred because humans were tempted by the allure of something “better.” Sadly, what was promised enslaved rather than liberated, and humanity has been on a perpetual quest for freedom ever since.
When Jesus appeared over two thousand years ago, he entered a world enslaved by the desires of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Jesus understood the root cause of this issue and, rather than treating the symptoms, addressed the root itself. The most significant of these was sin, and Jesus went to the cross to die so that we could be delivered from the consequences of sin, which is death. Today, because He conquered death by rising again, we can turn to Him for deliverance, assured that He is able to set us free.
QUOTES
The wise man in the storm prays God not for safety from danger but for deliverance from fear. It is the storm within which endangers him[,] not the storm without.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
PRAYER
God, I know you are able to do immeasurably more than I can think or imagine, according to the power you have placed within me. Open my eyes to see the freedom you desire for me: physical freedom, the emotional entanglements you want to unravel, the broken spirituality you want to mend and renew, and the abundant blessings you long to bestow upon us, your children. Help us use our words to honour you and speak life to others. Lord, in this session, guide our prayers.
- Pray for a tangible season of spiritual renewal.
- Pray for the strengthening of our emotions and release from the bondages we have allowed to control us, as well as those that others have attempted to impose upon our lives.
- Pray for deliverance from physical habits that speak of death and destruction rather than faith, hope, and love.
MEDITATE
Where in my life do I feel enslaved, either by my own desires or by external forces? What specific steps can I take to invite God’s power of deliverance into these areas?
What does true freedom in Christ look like for me personally? How can I better align my thoughts, words, and actions with that freedom?
For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.
