To ask the Lord to deliver us from the evil one, what prayers can we say? Did you know that prayers for deliverance may be recited by anyone who wishes to ask the Lord for healing and deliverance from evil and the evil one, for themselves or others?
The prayer for deliverance is a powerful and effective tool placed in the hands of every faithful person who wishes not only to pray for themselves, but also to help someone experiencing deep spiritual suffering because of the influence of the evil one.
It certainly should not be confused with exorcism; however, since the difference is substantial, let us clarify how things stand!
What is the prayer for deliverance?
The prayer for deliverance is a private prayer that anyone may offer, individually or in groups, and for anyone; it requires no authorization. But it must be done properly: although it has no fixed structures or formulas, it is necessary to observe the general rules for prayer indicated also by the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the chapter devoted to Christian prayer.
The prayer for deliverance is therefore a private prayer of intercession offered for oneself or others, individually or by a group of the faithful or by any priest, to implore from God, always trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit, the deliverance of those who suffer because of the ordinary action of the evil one.
It is therefore commendable for the faithful to pray individually and as a community, also with the intention of asking for deliverance from the evil one. It is worth specifying that it is adherence to Jesus that frees us from the snares and traps of the devil: anyone who truly wants to be free must rediscover the beauty of an authentic Christian life, lived in prayer, listening to and embracing the Word of God, active participation in the sacraments, first and foremost the Eucharist and Reconciliation, and generous commitment to charity.
What is the difference between an “exorcism” and a “prayer for deliverance”?
The difference is substantial. An exorcism is a sacramental and involves the authority of the Church; it may be administered only by bishops or priests authorized by bishops.
During an exorcism, the priest directly confronts the demon and commands it, in the name of the Church, to leave: “Go away, Satan…”
In the prayer for deliverance, priests and laypeople, individually or as a community, pray to the Lord to intervene and deliver the suffering person: “Lord, we pray that you may deliver…”
That is, after all, what we do with the Lord’s Prayer when we say at the end: “Deliver us from evil.” In this context, the word “evil” encompasses every evil that can afflict humanity and therefore certainly also the greatest evil, which comes from Satan.
Let us clarify
Many prayer books include the Italian translation of Pope Leo XIII's exorcism, and some priests also maintain that laypeople may recite it.
However, Pope Benedict XVI, when he was prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, wrote the following in a circular letter of September 29, 1985, in no. 2:
“The faithful are not even permitted to use the formula of the exorcism against Satan and the rebellious angels, taken from the one published by order of the Supreme Pontiff Leo XIII, and even less are they permitted to use the complete text of this exorcism. Bishops should ensure that the faithful are warned about this, when necessary.”
Therefore, there is a precise and clear decree from the Vatican against this practice.
Who can say the prayer of deliverance?
Therefore, every believer can pray for deliverance, for themselves and for their brothers and sisters, but without ever reciting exorcisms, and can also join groups with this purpose.
Indeed, prayer in a group is always more effective than an individual's prayer. Jesus said: “If two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, my Father in heaven will grant it to them” (Mt 18:19).
The power of praise
Father Gabriele Amorth taught that in the prayer of deliverance, used in less serious cases and said by laypeople, it is praise that gains the decisive power. The Bible tells us this too: during the battle against Amalek, Moses prays on the mountain, and it is his arms raised in prayer that obtain the victory (cf. Ex 17:8-14).
Jesus Christ achieved the decisive victory over the evil one, and the prayer of praise is capable of restoring order to the universe wounded by sin.
The evil one had tried to silence praise in heaven, dragging the rebellious angels into Hell. He then tried to interrupt the praise of Adam, the man who was meant to gather the voice of the universe and praise the Creator. Now, every time the enemy hears a prayer of praise, he relives the victory of Christ, by whom he was defeated. Praise of God is now the song of Christ victorious: over death, sin, and demons.
From today on, then, let us remember two things:
1. Every time we turn to the Lord with the prayer of the Our Father, the request “Deliver us from evil” contains all the power of an authentic prayer of deliverance!
2. Let us always praise God, for everything and everywhere; let us praise him for the moon, the stars, life, the day, the night, friendship… In this way, we will join the victorious song of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen!
