7 Ways to Fight Demons

As Halloween approaches, we need to remember the truth: there is a spiritual battle, too. We need to remember that Satan and the rest of the demons want us to stray from God.

But, Jesus conquered Satan and gave us many ways to fight. Here are some proven methods:

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1. Jesus's Strategy: Use the Scriptures Against Satan

In Matthew 4, Satan goes into the wilderness to tempt Jesus. Three times Satan tempts Jesus, and each time He responds with the Scriptures:

• "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."
• "You shall not tempt the Lord your God."
• "You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve."

Jesus gives us the perfect example for how to respond to the lies of Satan: with the truth of God's Word.

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2. Prayer and Fasting?

When his disciples failed to cast out a demon, they asked Jesus why they couldn't do it. He responded that this type of demon can only be cast out through prayer and fasting.

When we are in a deep spiritual struggle, praying and fasting will bring the help we need. Prayer is our direct line to God, and it strengthens our relationship with Him. Fasting helps discipline our bodies and focus our minds on spiritual matters.

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3. Call Upon the Holy Name of Jesus?

The Holy Name of Jesus holds immense power. Calling upon His name in distress or temptation can drive away evil and provide strength:

"Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Phil 2:9-11

The Holy Name of Jesus is a source of divine protection and authority in the spiritual battle.

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4. Vigilance

St. Peter gives important guidance to us:

Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. - 1 Peter 5:8

The devil is looking to catch us by surprise. In a world filled with distractions, St. Peter tells us the importance of being alert.

Acknowledging the spiritual battle is a great start. We should continue to reflect on our spiritual lives and depend on God for our protection.?

Every day let us discipline ourselves and "keep alert" for the enemy.

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5. Avoid the Occult?

The Catechism affirms that dealing with any kind of magic or sorcery is a grave matter. The faithful should avoid any attempts to "tame occult powers." It includes:

• Consulting horoscopes
• Astrology
• Palm reading
• Clairvoyance
• Recourse to mediums

These all "contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone."

Our Loving Father is in charge. To try to gain something from any other spiritual source is a bad idea if we want to win the spiritual battle.

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6. The Rosary

The Rosary is a beloved Catholic devotion, often used for spiritual combat.?

In "Rosarium Virginis Mariae," Pope St. John Paul II highlighted the Rosary as a powerful tool for spiritual warfare. He joins Pope Leo XIII in saying that the Rosary is "an effective spiritual weapon against the evils afflicting society."

Let us continue to ask for Mary's intercession in the spiritual battle.

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7. Holy Water and Blessed Objects (Sacramentals)

We use holy water to bless homes and objects, to seek God's protection from evil influences. It symbolizes casting out impurities and inviting God's grace into our surroundings.

Other holy objects include:

• Crucifixes
• Medals
• Candles

The Catechism has a lot to say about sacramentals. They "prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to cooperate with it."

Holy water and sacramentals are both great things to have on hand for the spiritual journey.

Further Resources

Video - Spiritual Warfare Prayers with Fr. Mike Schmitz | Pints with Aquinas

Father Mike Schmitz and Matt Fradd discuss the idea of "Agreements;" when we agree, almost without thinking, to subtle premises that we are unworthy of love, or are worthless.

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Video - How to Discern the Spirits | Bishop Robert Barron What did St. Ignatius mean when he counseled followers to “discern the spirits”? How do we do this?

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Article - The Most Important Teaching on Prayer Ever Recorded

I know the key to your prayer life. Really. There is something Jesus taught us about prayer and it is the most important teaching on prayer ever recorded. He wanted you to know it, and, in fact, you probably already do. You’ve likely said it a thousand times. Whether you realize it or not, the key, the secret to your prayer life is hiding in plain sight.

Remember that the Devil doesn't sleep, but seeks our ruin in a thousand ways.

- St. Angela Merici