Prayer Day 42 Her 42nd son: Prayer Against A Spirit Of Manipulation

What is the spirit of Manipulation and why is it important for us to know?  

The spirit of Manipulation can be very subtle but manifests in many ways. Here are some of the ways in which it might manifest.

Deception, Deflection and Confusion: One of the ways in which someone operates under the spirit of manipulation is to speak partial truths to cause deflection and/or confusion.

Attention, Arrogance, Competition: One operating under the spirit of manipulation may seek attention to become noticed more that others; may be arrogant, walking in pride; may always be in competition with others.

Character Assassination, Gossip, Envy, Vengeance: One influenced by this spirit may choose character assassination, gossip, insinuation to gain control over individuals or situations.

These are but a few of the signs that you might be experiencing an attack from someone who is operating under the spirit of manipulation. The primary goal, however, is to use these tactics to gain power and/or control, and influence over another by intimidation, speaking half-truths, challenging one’s beliefs, etc., all to turn the focus from trusting the Word of God, and directing it toward themselves. Galatians 5:19-21 gives us a useful summary of the effects of falling under the control of this spirit.

The goal is to control the thoughts, actions, and/or beliefs of others by imploring these tactics.  Scripture gives us some examples of these. The first is found in Matthew 4 when Jesus was led into the desert and was tempted by the devil by taking advantage of His weakened state and slightly twisting the Word of God to his own advantage.  The goal was to distract Jesus from completing His divine mission. Another is found in Acts 5:1-13 where Ananias and Saphira, motivated by greed, lied to the Holy Spirit.

In Luke 22:31, Jesus warns of Satan’s sifting and urges the disciples to be vigilant. In Corinthians 7:5, Paul warns of the need for self-control to avoid being tempted by the devil. Finally, in Matthew 6:13, Jesus teaches us to pray for deliverance, finding strength and divine protection.

Some of the ways these tactics are used are found in our churches when pastors or other leaders attempt to control the beliefs of their parishioners through intimidation or fear of consequence. For instance, preaching that following any other doctrine than the one he/she is presenting will lead to condemnation and a loss of salvation. By using half-truths, followers can be intimidated not to look at any other explanation for scripture than the one they are providing.

PRAYERS

• Proverbs 26:24-26 - "A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart, he harbours deceit. Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly." (NIV)

Prayer: Lord, grant me discernment to recognize and resist spiritual manipulation in every area of my life.

Prayer: Father, please expose any hidden manipulation in my spiritual walk and set me free from its influence.

• Micah 2:1 - "Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning's light, they carry it out because it is in their power to do it." (NIV)

Prayer: Father, please deliver me from those who plot evil against me that I might not succumb to their evil devices.

• Psalms 10:7 - "His mouth is full of lies and threats; trouble and iniquity are under his tongue." (NIV)

Prayer: I rebuke every spirit of confusion that seeks to distort the truth of God in my life, in Jesus’ name.

Prayer: Lord, please silence the voices of those in our nation whose tongues deceive the please and plot destruction through falsehoods rather than speaking truth.

Prayer: Matthew 7:15-16 - "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit, you will recognize them." (NIV)