How to Pray When Under Spiritual Attack

When you are experiencing a spiritual attack, your first response should be to run to the Word of God. Spiritual attacks are meant to trigger your flesh, ruin your character and witness to the Gospel, and destroy your testimony before people. The enemy attacks Christians to steal, kill and destroy (see John 10:10) whatever he sees as a threat to the kingdom of darkness. The enemy attacks you for a reason and a purpose. That is why you must submit to God, resist the devil’s temptation – which is to react according to the flesh, and not according to the Spirit – and the devil will flee from you (see James 4:7).

So, how do you pray when under spiritual attack? Pray and declare the Scriptures. As you run to the Word of God, look for His promises about vindication, peace and rest, authority and victory in Christ Jesus, and so on. Remember, spiritual attacks often come alongside the enemy’s lies to deceive you and make you believe that God is not involved with your battles or that He doesn’t have a way out or a plan for your future. That is why it is important to run to the Word of God and rest on His promises every day, not just when you are under spiritual attack. For instance, if you are being persecuted by nonbelievers or even fellow believers for obeying God or honoring the commandments of Jesus, the enemy may cause you to doubt your calling. Just remember, this is what Jesus said about being persecuted for His sake, Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12). You can pray this Scripture in this manner:

Lord, thank You for being with me in this difficult time. Even though I face persecution for my faith in You, I will continuously fix my eyes upon You. I know that great will be my reward in heaven, for it is your promise. I rejoice in this trial and suffering because of my faith in You. Your blessings are greater than this spiritual attack, and I know that this too shall pass, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Moreover, aside from declaring and praying the Scripture, you may also praise and exalt God in prayer when the enemy attacks you. For instance, he may attack you with negative thoughts, depressing moods, and uncontrolled anxieties. At other times, he may come like a flood, overwhelming you with different problems in different parts of your life. In such a moment, start praising, glorifying, magnifying, and exalting God. You can declare, “Thank You God for the victory! Nothing can defeat you! No problem is too hard for you to handle! You are the God who makes way and keeps promises! I glorify You in the midst of this! I shout Your victory in my life, through Christ Jesus. Amen! The enemy wants you to focus on the situations, on yourself, and on your feelings, but if you keep your mind steady in Christ, His peace will protect you.  

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7).

How do you pray a spiritual warfare prayer?

To offer a spiritual warfare prayer is to pray according to your identity and authority in Christ Jesus. Knowing who you are in Christ and understanding your authority against the enemy is vital. You must know and understand that anything that involves stealing, killing, and destroying is not a part of God’s plan for your life. You have the authority to speak against it, declare the Word of God upon the situation, and believe with all your heart that God is moving as you declared. For instance, sicknesses and illnesses are not a part of God’s plan for you and your loved ones. You can act out your authority in Christ by declaring, “In Jesus’ name, I rebuke you sickness! You have no right over my family! I command you to leave, in the name of Jesus!” 

When facing an attack from the enemy, you must also be fierce in your defense against it. Just think about Jesus handing you the flag of victory, showing that you are the champion. Then, imagine that an enemy comes to try and steal that flag from you, telling you lies, that you are not really the champion, and that you have been defeated. Won’t that make you angry? You will surely drive out that enemy. That’s what spiritual warfare is all about! Walk according to what Jesus Christ has already paid for you on the cross. Depression and anxiety are not your friends. Worries, doubts, and fears are not part of your new creation in Christ! They are intruders meant to steal your peace, destroy your health, and take you out of the race of faith. Jesus has given you the authority and power in His name to say no to the enemy, to rebuke his works, and to cast them out of your life. “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19).

How do you pray when you are troubled?

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Whatever is troubling you, making you anxious, worried, fearful, or doubtful, surrender them to the Lord. Tell God precisely what is bothering you. You can say to Him, “Lord, I am anxious about this matter…” or “God, I am troubled about….” As you surrender and commune with God about everything in your heart, He will give you His peace. 

Troubles and problems are a normal part of our life in Christ Jesus. They may come suddenly like a flood, which is why preparedness and endurance are vital in our Christian living. Most of the time, God warns us ahead of time of the things to come, especially when you spend a lot of time in His presence. Often, our unpreparedness is just a result of our lack of time with God. He never fails to warn us, protect us, guide us and keep us from the things that endanger us.

Nevertheless, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Troubles are bound to come, but the presence of Jesus Christ and His words are our sources of peace. He already overcame the world, and you are also an overcomer in Him. Whatever you may be going through, God has your proverbial back. You shall overcome because that is His promise. 

“Nay, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37)

Here is a short prayer for times of trouble and spiritual attacks in your life:

Heavenly Father, I lift Your name on high. You are above all, and everything else is beneath you and submits to you. I trust in Your sovereignty and mighty power, that no matter what I may be going through, you hold me safe in Your hands. I am always safe and secure in Your presence. I am not afraid or troubled by anything because I know that You are always there to rescue me, defend me, protect me, and guide me. I receive Your peace. Thank You for who You are, in Jesus’ name. Amen.