"Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven."
The Sixth Prayer - Binding & Loosing
Jesus says these words in Matthew 18:18-19 (and earlier to Peter in Matt. 16:19). There are several important nuggets in Jesus' statements here, the first being that we have authority here on this earth by virtue of our covenant rights through Jesus. The second thing we notice is the direction of the action. Things begin in heaven and come to Earth, but Jesus makes it clear that the action often starts here on Earth. Notice that it says, "Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
Although the context of this passage was referring specifically to the ability of the apostles to proclaim Gospel prohibitions (bindings) and freedoms (loosenings), it is interesting that Jesus is testifying a type of power not formerly known to man. We, as His followers, still possess a power through prayer to bind and loosen spiritual forces.
Like all things in God's system, this type of prayer works only in line with God's Word and His laws. You cannot bind things willy-nilly. Binding a team to lose in the Super Bowl won't work any more than loosing someone to love you.
You can, however, bind foul spirits that are at work in people's lives or loose angelic spirits to work on your behalf in those areas where God has already promised you results. When you pray in this manner, God affirms it in heaven and puts His seal of approval on your prayer. Binding and loosing have to be based on the authority God has granted you in Scripture, not on some desire you have.
Prayer #38 - Bind or Loosen
What spiritual forces are at work in your life? Are you, or someone close to you, fighting darkness and evil forces? Pray that God would bind such forces. Perhaps you need to be surrounded by His angels? Pray that He would loosen such forces.
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