There are many Scriptures that teach us how to pray against evil. We can certainly pray for our leaders, but we must also pray against evil ideas and “strongholds” as the Bible calls them. We pray that our leaders will be humbled that they might be saved. Too many have given lip service to faith and lived outside of your moral law. We pray that they will not be corrupted by absolute power but will be checked by truth and morality.
We pray against the big lies in our culture today and the false worship of government, science, education or money before the Lord. We pray that leaders will follow the laws and Constitution of our nation.
Beyond that, here are some Scriptures and what they teach us about praying against evil: (Evil can be defined as that which opposes God, his truth, or his people.) Our part is to pray and stand, and II Chronicles 20:15 reminds us that “the battle is the Lord’s”!
Ps. 6:10- may the enemies of God be ashamed and turned back in disgrace;
Ps. 35- may their own nets entangle them, may they fall into the pit they have dug for others, may false accusations be exposed; contend, Lord, for the righteous and vindicate them; Rise to defend the righteous.
Ps. 36:2- May the fear of God be restored (reverence and respect)
Ps. 59- Deliver the innocent, O Lord, from evildoers and evil ideas. May enemies be caught in their pride; may their own curses consume them; You are our fortress, O Lord.
Ps. 68- Let God arise and his enemies be scattered.
The New Testament also teaches us to pray against “Strongholds” over our culture. These are empowered by evil forces and lies. II Corinthians 10:3-5 says that “we have divine power to tear down strongholds and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.” The weapons we fight with are spiritual weapons, like prayer and praise.
And so, Lord, we ask you to tear down strongholds such as abortion in our culture. We ask you to tear down pretentions against our faith and the truth of your Word. We ask that you protect religious freedom, not only to worship, but to freely express our beliefs in this culture. We ask that you tear down false altars. We stand against those who would label your truth as “hate speech”. We ask that you send your holy fire to burn away our sin and to empower your people to stand for truth and against the enemies of truth. Remind us that the “battle is the Lord’s”. Indeed Lord, the battle is yours. It is not our strength of might or cleverness, but the power of the Holy Spirit that will empower us. Therefore, fill us afresh with your Spirit and renew our spirits within us. Lord, may you be glorified in our lives and in the church. We praise you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.