At times I’ve found it necessary to be very definite and forthright, even audible, in prayer and wrestling against the enemy – sometimes for my own wellbeing. Here are some steps in aggressive prayer which have helped me and others:
- Bring a need definitely into the light. Shadows, worry, or avoiding the real root of a matter or denying that a trouble is really there does not relieve at all. It leads to further deception and greater bondage. There must be no roof overhead between us and God, and no wall of separation between us and a brother should be allowed to stand. Both these aspects of getting things clear in the light are seen in I John 1:7. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
- Claim the blood offering of Jesus Christ to cover and cleanse a specific area by name.
- Acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord of all and own Him as Lord over that particular area. Colossians 1:13. No contrary authority or power is allowed when He is Lord. Study Colossians 2:9 and 10, I Peter 3:22.
- In the Name and authority of Jesus Christ, order the enemy out of that area. Personally, I believe this ought to be done at times in direct personal encounter. There are times when we do not continue to plead with God about the mountain. Rather, we speak to the mountain in the Name of our Savior! Satan cannot stand in any area where we acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord. We have only to speak the word in His authority.
- Definite prayer rejoicing and claiming such Scriptures as the last verses of Romans 8.
After this is done and we are then hit with darkening moods, we need to ask the question, “Who says so?” Now, it becomes clear. God says we are more than conquerors. We can do all through Christ Jesus. Then what is the source of the message aimed at creating further discouragement and unbelief?
Go all the way in spiritual housecleaning. Once God has brought new sunlight don’t let it go at that. Claim everything needed. Beat on the door for more blessings and when he blesses you by turning up more old trunks in the cellar which need to be disposed of, don’t get discouraged. We should never buckle at the sight of rubbish going out to the dump even if it is awful looking stuff. The time to weep and wail is when the rubbish is coming in and being secreted away from the light! (But this is hard to remember when God shows us a sight of ourselves.)
We are told in II Corinthians 4:7 that we need to make the double discovery – the earthiness of the vessel and the glory of the treasure – but no one can stand the revelation of the one without the other. God bless you and lead you forward.