Praying for deliverance from slavery, or bondage

Jesus said, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8: 32.
The most liberating truth is that Christ came to set us free, “us” being anyone who is willing to receive Him, obey Him, and be transformed by Him.

Slavery, or bondage, in any form, is not God’s original plan for human beings. It is of the enemy. When God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden, they lived as His friends and were free. The Devil was aware of that and he interfered with God’s plan.(Gen 3: 1ff)

Slavery to the devil could be direct, or indirect through people in your personal relationships, at work, or social alliances. It can be spiritual, physical, emotional, or psychological. It can also be through making bad choices that becomes a habit.

Since BC and into AD, physical slavery was common (Ephesians 6: 5 – 9). In theory, physical slavery ended with the spread of Christianity and increase in human enlightenment. If you keep current on global affairs, you know this appalling crime still exist. God condemns slavery in any form. It goes against heaven’s plan for human beings.

On a spiritual level, the Bible acknowledges that spiritual (and psychological) bondage will continue to exist for those who obey Satan, but reminds us that Christ came to set us free from all forms of slavery to the prince of this world (Ephesians 2: 1ff). In Christ, there is neither slave, nor free. A personal relationship with Christ is the antidote to a life under the enemy rule.

God, through His love and a desire to restore us into a direct relationship with Him, sent Jesus Christ to set the captives free. (Luke 4: 16 – 19). By trusting Christ and committing to Him, you align yourself with the Gentle Master, who loved you so much that He sacrificed His life for you.

As a believer in Christ, you chose to be bound to Him, therefore your allegiance should be to Him (Eph. 6:6ff). His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11: 28 – 30). Christ promised to trade His easy yoke, for our heavy burdens, if we are willing to entrust our lives to Him. Christ will carry your heavy burden for you and give you rest.

Christ often used real life examples of the culture in which He lived. He spoke in the common man’s language – painting visual pictures that His audience could understand. The Jewish people were mostly farmers during His time, who either owned, or leased land. They used beasts of burden for many chores such as ploughing, pressing grapes, treading grain and transportation of heavy goods. Oxen were beasts of burden in many farming communities and still are in some emerging markets today. When farmers used to plough with oxen, a good farmer followed certain protocols to ensure the safety of his oxen:

In other words, the farmer took good care of his oxen. He did not misuse them. He did not abuse them. Godly Jewish farmers were pious people who followed the laws about farming and taking care of their oxen very closely, knowing they were answerable to God in how they treated their animals (I Tim 5: 18). You are more precious to God than a beast of burden. Christ died for you.

To those who are weary and tired, Christ is more than a gentle farmer (Matt 11: 28 – 30). He will not misuse you. He will not abuse you. He will heal you from all abuses, give you a new beginning and guide you gently along the right path.

After you have prayed for deliverance, start thanking God for answering your prayers, every time you think about your situation, until He answers fully.

Scripture References
John 8: 31 – 32
Ephesians 2: 1ff; 6: 5ff
Matthew 11: 28 – 30
Luke 4: 18 – 19.
Jonah 2: 1 – 10
I Timothy 5: 18