Ways to Overcome Demonic Oppression

Knowing that many of you probably read yesterday's post and thought, "Oh great, now what do I do?" I felt the need for a good follow-up today. I could not, in good conscience, leave you there without giving you some clear direction for how to combat those demonic attacks that I pointed out.

Here are five specific behaviors to use when you think you may be having an evil and oppressive spiritual influence in your life (also encouraged by exorcists).

1) Frequent participation in Sacramental Confession, Mass attendance, and reception of the Eucharist. I do not think I need to explain this one.

2) Staying consistent in your daily prayers. As Padre Pio said, even the shortest prayer, if said from the heart, has more power than we tend to believe. Have a regular habit of prayer: same time each day; and make sure that you interject extra prayers whenever the need arises. Do not just get upset or fearful, reach out to the Lord. Drench your day in prayer!

3) Fasting from either food or other enjoyments. The discipline of telling ourselves "no" is amazingly powerful. This is why the Church strongly encourages it during Lent: it is good for your spiritual well being. That does not mean, however, that you can neglect the practice during the rest of the year.

4) Almsgiving is also a "lenten" practice, but should not be forgotten during the rest of the year. This certainly includes monetary giving, but we can give other things to those in need also. Your own parish is good to give to, but look for other ways to help those in need. (Statistics say that as much as 50% of Catholics never give anything to the Church. That is gravely sinful, but it also shows that people want help, but refuse to give it.) Giving is sanctifying in itself.

5) Wise and balanced use of Sacramentals; rosaries, devotions, holy water, etc. Surrounding yourself with these things and using them in your home is essential to keeping a holy atmosphere around you.

Follow these practices and you will do much to deter the demonic attacks that may be coming against you. None of them are "magical" but they are rather means to help you come closer to Jesus; and the demons cannot stand being close to Jesus so they will leave you alone. If these things do not help, then seek out the advice of a good and faithful priest and ask him to consider a minor exorcism. These can be very powerful in overcoming numerous kinds of demonic oppression.