How to Pray for Deliverance: 7 Steps, Prayer & KJV Verses

By Dr. Grace Osei, Covenant Fire Ministries · Reviewed under our Editorial Standards · New here? Start here.

If you are asking how to pray for deliverance, you may be tired of a battle that keeps coming back: a habit you cannot break, fear that grips you at night, a pattern that runs through your family, or a loved one who seems trapped. Many believers in Nigeria, Ghana and across the diaspora feel this weight. This guide shows you, step by step, how to pray for deliverance for yourself and for someone else, with 21 prayer points, 15 KJV verses, a short prayer and honest, safe guidance.

Begin with this comfort: deliverance is not something you earn or buy. It is what Jesus came to do. He said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me … he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives” (Luke 4:18).

What Is Deliverance in the Bible?

In Scripture, deliverance means being rescued by God: from enemies, from trouble, from sin and from the power of darkness. David called the LORD “my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer” (Psalm 18:2). Paul wrote that God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13).

So for a believer, deliverance is first a finished fact in Christ and then a daily walk. You belong to God’s kingdom. Prayer for deliverance is how you apply that freedom to the areas of your life that still feel bound.

The Bible shows several kinds of deliverance:

• From trouble and danger. “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me” (Psalm 50:15).
• From fear. “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).
• From sin and habits. “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14).
• From spiritual oppression. Jesus cast out evil spirits and gave His followers authority “over all the power of the enemy” (Luke 10:19).
• From strongholds of the mind. Paul speaks of “the pulling down of strong holds” and “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

Honest Truths Before You Pray

Deliverance prayer is powerful, but it is often misunderstood. Keep these truths in mind:

• Not every problem is a demon. Illness, depression, trauma, debt and broken relationships can have medical, emotional or practical causes. Pray, and also see a doctor, counsellor or trusted adviser. Faith and wisdom work together.
• You do not need a special person to pray for you. Every believer can call on the name of the Lord: “whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered” (Joel 2:32). Wise, caring leaders can help, but your access to God is direct.
• Deliverance is free. Jesus told His disciples, “freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). No one should charge you for prayer.
• Freedom is kept by walking with God. Jesus warned about a house that is “empty, swept, and garnished” (Matthew 12:44). Deliverance is not only getting something out; it is letting Christ fill your life.
• God’s timing varies. Some freedom comes in a moment. Other freedom comes step by step, through repentance, renewed thinking and daily obedience. Both are real.

Signs You May Need Deliverance Prayer

Many believers and ministers describe these patterns. They are not proof of anything on their own, but they can be a signal to seek God more deeply:

• A sin or addiction you hate but keep returning to, even after sincere repentance.
• Recurring frightening or sexual dreams that leave you heavy and confused. Some women notice the signs of a spiritual husband here.
• The same misfortune repeating across generations of your family.
• Strong fear, torment or heaviness when you try to pray or read the Bible.
• Past involvement with shrines, charms, occult practices or covenants made outside Christ.
• Relationships that collapse at the same stage again and again.

If you see some of these, do not panic. Bring them to God calmly and follow the steps below.

How to Pray for Deliverance: 7 Steps

These steps help you pray for deliverance for yourself in a clear, biblical way. You can do them in one prayer time or spread them across several days.

Step 1: Come to Jesus first

Deliverance flows from relationship with Jesus. If you have never surrendered your life to Him, start there. Tell Him you believe He died and rose again for you, and invite Him to be your Lord and Saviour. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Step 2: Confess and repent honestly

Name what you have done and turn from it. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Proverbs adds that whoever “confesseth and forsaketh” sin shall have mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

Step 3: Forgive those who hurt you

Unforgiveness keeps wounds open. Forgiving does not mean the harm was acceptable or that you must trust the person again. It means releasing them to God. Our guide on how to break soul ties explains how to let go of unhealthy bonds.

Step 4: Renounce every open door

Speak out loud and reject any agreement you or your family made with darkness: charms, shrine visits, occult books, dedications or ungodly vows. In Ephesus, new believers brought their magic books and burned them publicly (Acts 19:19). If you suspect a covenant or dedication in your past, Unholy Covenants walks through how to identify and renounce them in Christ.

Step 5: Submit to God and resist the enemy

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Submission comes first. Then speak with calm authority in the name of Jesus, not with fear or shouting to prove anything.

Step 6: Pray Scripture aloud

Use God’s own words. Read the verses below slowly and turn them into prayer. Jesus answered every temptation with “It is written” (Matthew 4:4). Some believers add fasting, following Jesus’ words about a stubborn case: “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29). Our guide to fasting for deliverance explains how to do this safely.

Step 7: Fill the house and stay free

Replace what you removed. Read the Bible daily, worship, join a Bible-believing church, and find someone to be accountable to. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1). “Neither give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:27).

How to Pray for Deliverance for Someone Else

Many people are not searching for themselves. They are praying for a husband, a child, a sister or a friend. The Bible encourages this: “pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).

• Pray for their eyes to open. Paul prayed that people would “recover themselves out of the snare of the devil” (2 Timothy 2:25-26). Ask God to give them repentance and a desire for truth.
• Respect their free will. You can pray for anyone, but you cannot force deliverance on an adult who does not want it. Never trick, restrain or pressure someone into a deliverance session.
• Be gentle. “Restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). Love opens doors that accusation closes.
• Never accuse. Do not label a relative, child or elderly person a witch because of a dream or a prophecy. That causes real harm. Our guide on prayer against witchcraft explains why.
• Pray quietly and consistently. Mention them by name each day. Many answers come slowly, through changed hearts, new friends or an unexpected turning point.
• Support practical help. For addiction, encourage professional support alongside prayer. The NHS has a helpful page on addiction support.

How to Pray for Deliverance From Strongholds, Addiction and Lust

Strongholds are deep patterns of thinking and behaviour that resist change: lust, pornography, alcohol, anger, fear, bitterness or hopelessness. Pray in these ways:

• Name the stronghold honestly before God. Hidden things keep their power. Light weakens them.
• Take every thought captive. When the familiar thought comes, answer it with Scripture (2 Corinthians 10:5) and turn your attention to something good.
• Trust the way of escape. “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Look for that way and take it.
• Renew your mind. “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Fill your mind with worship, Scripture and wholesome friendships.
• Remove triggers. Delete apps, avoid certain places, install filters and tell a trusted friend. These are not signs of weak faith; they are wisdom.
• Get help. A pastor, counsellor or support group can walk with you. Many find lasting freedom through prayer and practical help together.

21 Prayer Points for Deliverance

Pray these slowly, one group at a time. You can pray them for yourself or replace “me” with the name of the person you are praying for.

Surrender and cleansing

1. Lord Jesus, I surrender my whole life to You. Be my Lord, my Saviour and my Deliverer (Psalm 18:2).
2. Father, I confess my sins and turn from them. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness by the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:9).
3. I forgive everyone who has hurt me, and I release them into Your hands.
4. Holy Spirit, search my heart and show me any door I have opened to darkness.

Breaking bondages

1. In the name of Jesus, I renounce every covenant, dedication and vow made over my life outside Christ.
2. I break every unholy soul tie and ungodly agreement by the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 12:11).
3. Every yoke of bondage over my life, be broken by the power of God (Isaiah 61:1).
4. I reject every inherited pattern of affliction in my family line. In Christ I am a new creation.
5. Lord, deliver me from every evil work and preserve me unto Your heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:18).

Strongholds of the mind and body

1. Every stronghold of fear, lust, anger and addiction in my life, be pulled down in Jesus’ name (2 Corinthians 10:4).
2. Lord, renew my mind and help me take every thought captive to Christ (Romans 12:2).
3. Father, show me the way of escape in every temptation, and give me the strength to take it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
4. I declare that sin shall not have dominion over me, because I am under grace (Romans 6:14).

Nights, dreams and home

1. Lord, guard my sleep and my dreams. Let no evil visitation have any place in my nights.
2. I refuse every spiritual marriage or night partner, and I declare that I belong to Jesus alone.
3. Father, let my home be a place of peace, prayer and Your presence.

Praying for a loved one

1. Lord, open the eyes of (name) and lead them to repentance and truth (2 Timothy 2:25-26).
2. Father, deliver (name) from every snare of the enemy and every destructive habit.
3. Send godly people, wise counsel and practical help into (name)’s life.

Thanksgiving and staying free

1. Thank You, Lord, that You have delivered me from the power of darkness and brought me into the kingdom of Your dear Son (Colossians 1:13).
2. Holy Spirit, fill every area of my life, so that I stand fast in the liberty of Christ and am never entangled again (Galatians 5:1).

For more scripture-based prayers, see our main page of prayers against spiritual husband.

15 KJV Bible Verses for Deliverance

1. “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15)
2. “The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17)
3. “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)
4. “Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.” (Psalm 107:6)
5. “He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.” (Psalm 107:14)
6. “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7)
7. “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” (Isaiah 61:1)
8. “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” (Colossians 1:13)
9. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
10. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
11. “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)
12. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11)
13. “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6:14)
14. “And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (2 Timothy 4:18)
15. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

A Short Prayer for Deliverance

Heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus. Thank You that You are my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. I confess my sins and turn from them, and I receive Your forgiveness through the blood of Jesus. I forgive everyone who has hurt me. I renounce every covenant, dedication, vow and agreement made over my life outside Christ, and I break every unholy tie. I submit myself to You, and I resist the devil in Jesus’ name. Every stronghold in my mind and body, be pulled down by the power of God. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, guard my nights and my home, and help me walk in freedom every day. Thank You that whom the Son sets free is free indeed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A 7-Day Deliverance Prayer Plan

If you want structure, pray through one theme each day for a week:

• Day 1: Surrender. Give your life to Jesus afresh. Read Colossians 1:13 and John 8:36.
• Day 2: Confession. Write down what you need to confess and pray 1 John 1:9 and Proverbs 28:13.
• Day 3: Forgiveness. Name the people you need to forgive and release them to God.
• Day 4: Renunciation. Renounce covenants, charms and ungodly vows. Remove any objects linked to them.
• Day 5: Strongholds. Pray prayer points 10–13 and plan one practical change.
• Day 6: Family and loved ones. Pray points 17–19 for the people on your heart.
• Day 7: Thanksgiving. Worship God for what He has done and pray points 20–21.

Some believers combine a plan like this with fasting. If you want a longer guided journey, the 21-Day Deliverance Fast gives a day-by-day plan with Scripture, prayers and safe fasting guidance.

Harmful Practices to Avoid

Real deliverance never harms you. Be careful if anyone asks you to:

• Pay money, “seed” offerings or special fees for deliverance or for prayer.
• Undress, bathe in a river, visit a shrine or take unknown substances.
• Accept beating, starving, burning, chaining or any other physical harm.
• Accuse a child, elderly person or relative of witchcraft.
• Buy special oils, soaps or items that are promised to guarantee your freedom.
• Stop taking prescribed medicine or avoid a doctor because of a prophecy.

If anyone is in danger, contact the police or a child-protection service. Seek ministers who point you to Jesus, the Bible and wise practical help.

When to Seek Extra Help

Please seek help as well as prayer if you experience thoughts of harming yourself, hopelessness that will not lift, frightening experiences linked to trauma, or an addiction that controls your life. A doctor, a qualified counsellor or a mental-health service can walk alongside you. The APA explains how trauma can affect the mind and body. Getting help is not a lack of faith.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pray for deliverance by myself?

Yes. Self-deliverance prayer is simply coming to God in Jesus’ name, confessing, renouncing and resisting the enemy. Many believers find freedom praying alone. If you feel stuck or afraid, ask a mature, trusted Christian or pastor to pray with you.

How do I pray for deliverance for someone else?

Pray for God to open their eyes, give them repentance and send wise help (2 Timothy 2:25-26). Pray by name, consistently and gently. Respect their free will, never accuse them, and encourage practical support where needed.

How long does deliverance take?

It varies. Some people experience a sudden release; others grow free step by step through repentance, renewed thinking and daily walking with God. Both are real deliverance. Keep praying and keep obeying.

Do I need to fast to be delivered?

Fasting is not required for God to hear you, but many believers fast as a way of humbling themselves and focusing on God (Mark 9:29). Fast safely: drink water and talk to a doctor first if you have a health condition, are pregnant or take medication.

How do I know I have been delivered?

Look for growing peace, freedom to pray and read Scripture, less torment, changed desires and lasting fruit over time. Feelings vary, so build on God’s Word: “ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Can a Christian need deliverance?

Christians belong to God and are not owned by darkness, yet believers can still struggle with sin, strongholds, fear and harmful patterns. James 4:7 was written to believers. Deliverance prayer helps you walk in the freedom Christ has already won.

Final Encouragement

Dear friend, you are not too far gone and your loved one is not beyond God’s reach. The same God who brought His people “out of darkness and the shadow of death” and broke “their bands in sunder” (Psalm 107:14) still hears every cry. Start with one honest prayer today, take one step of obedience, and keep going.

If your struggle involves a spiritual marriage, read our guide to deliverance from spiritual husband. You can also learn more about spiritual spouses, explore our Bible verses, or visit our Start Here page.

Disclaimer: This page offers spiritual and devotional guidance based on Christian faith. It is not medical, psychological or legal advice, and no particular outcome is guaranteed. Please consult qualified professionals for health or mental-health concerns. Read our full Disclaimer.