A Prayer against Dangerous Paranormal Practices - Your Daily Prayer - October 25
A Prayer against Dangerous Paranormal Practices
By Whitney Hopler
Bible Reading
“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.” – Deuteronomy 18:10-12, NIV
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Many people in this fallen world are fascinated by the paranormal. From hit TV shows about ghost hunting to popular social media posts about psychic powers, it’s hard to ignore all the messages telling us that paranormal practices are fun. It’s also easy to go looking for spiritual answers in the wrong places. Maybe you’ve been tempted to try out paranormal practices yourself. If you’re curious about what your future holds, you may be tempted to visit a fortune teller. If you’re grieving the loss of a family member or friend who has passed away, you may be tempted to try to communicate with them. Or, you may love the thrill of watching horror movies and don’t see a problem with watching them for entertainment.
But the truth is that there’s a thin line between curiosity and spiritual danger. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, God sets very clear and firm boundaries for his people. This passage presents a list of dangerous paranormal practices that are detestable to God. At first glance, that list may feel a bit extreme. It may seem like it doesn’t apply to you, because you’re not sacrificing your child in a fire or casting spells. But God isn’t giving you a comprehensive list here. Instead, God is warning you to go directly to him – not to anyone or anything else – for the spiritual answers you’re seeking. Only God has the power to give you what you really need, and only God is trustworthy enough to always use his unlimited power for good.
When you turn to paranormal practices like using tarot cards or trying to manifest what you want through spiritual energies separate from God – even in ways that sound holy but are actually deceptive, like “Christ consciousness” – you’re essentially saying that God’s provision and timing aren’t enough for you. You’re looking for a back door into the spiritual world, when God has the front door wide open for you and is inviting you to come in through the proper place.
That’s dangerous, because when you step outside of God’s protection, you open yourself up to influences that don’t have your best interests in mind, as God does. Not only that, but evil spirits are real in this fallen world – and they’re really trying to harm you. It’s vital to realize that you live in a world where spiritual warfare is happening.
When God says “no” to something you want, he does so in order to protect you from what isn’t truly good for you, and to make a way in your life for something better. God isn’t a cosmic killjoy who’s trying to keep you from having a little supernatural fun. He’s a loving Heavenly Father who knows that paranormal practices are “detestable” because they’re counterfeit. They offer a false sense of control while actually trying to control you and keep you stuck in fear.
So, if you’re dabbling in any paranormal practices, ask God to help you stop. If you confess and repent, God will forgive you and give you the discernment you need to choose what’s truly best for you moving forward. God’s grace is bigger than any mistake. You don’t need paranormal practices when you have a direct relationship with the all-powerful Creator!
Let’s Pray
Dear God, thank you for your wonderful love that leads you to protect me, even from dangerous things I'm not aware of in my life. Please forgive me for the times I’ve let my curiosity tempt me to try out paranormal practices that you’ve forbidden. I confess that I’ve sometimes looked to other sources, instead of to you, for the spiritual answers I’m seeking. I realize now that paranormal practices are a counterfeit to the true peace and wisdom that only you can give me. Right now, in the name of Jesus, I renounce any involvement I’ve had with any dangerous spiritual practices. I close every door that I had opened to evil spirits by participating in those practices, either intentionally or unintentionally. Please cleanse my soul and my home from any lingering influence of these things. God, I choose to trust you completely with my future. I expect the best from you because I know that you want the best for me – and nothing less than that. Please help me discern what’s best, so I can recognize the difference between your truth and lies coming at me in this fallen world, and so I can make the best decisions. I want to walk closely with you. Guide me and protect me every single day and night of my life. Thank you, God. Amen.
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