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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Diabolical Obsession, what is it? debbie Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Question:

I asked a question about a month ago, about thoughts that come into my mind while praying, or just going about my normal everyday life, and that have continued even though I have gone to confession many times, receive communion at Sunday mass, and during the week as well, I pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, The Rosary, many other prayers to The Blessed Mother, and Spiritual Warfare prayers as well. I have been tormented less, but it still continues, and sometimes when these vile, blasphemous thoughts come into my mind, I want to sream, LEAVE ME ALONE, or just shut up, but then I think to myself how crazy that sounds. Am I being diabolically obsessed? What exactly is it? How do demons control your thoughts? I have holy water that I use to bless myself , and our bedroom, I need for this to stop, I need help. I feel so scared at times, and I don't even know why.

Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear Debbie:

Although it may not comfort you, you may be interested to know that even the Saints have been plagued with unwanted thoughts, especially in prayer.

The devil can play havoc with our imaginations but he cannot have our soul unless we give it to him. The devil cannot read our minds, but he can inspire images and thoughts and thus harass us in this way.  If such thoughts are coming into your head with no relief no matter what you do, then a more formal counseling situation may be needed.

To review what can be done:

1) Persevere in prayer to follow the advice of St. Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:5b "and take every thought captive to obey Christ."

2) When unwanted thoughts pop into our head, pray immediately asking that God remove them. Then focus on something else, such as the Rosary or some other prayer, or even watch TV, whatever can distract the mind away from the unwanted thoughts.

3) To step up the response to the next level is to pray daily, or multiple times a day as needed, the following prayer:

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, strengthened by the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Blessed Michael the Archangel, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints and Angels of Heaven, and powerful in the holy authority of His Name, I reject this thought and feeling of     [list for describe thought/feeling]    which is contrary to God’s will. I choose only thoughts in harmony with the Holy Spirit, and I cover my thought life with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

4) If using this prayer does not help, then the next level is to pick up the pace in spiritual warfare prayer with a prayer such as:

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, strengthened by the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Blessed Michael the Archangel, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints and Angels of Heaven, and powerful in the holy authority of His name, I ask of the heavenly Father to rebuke this spirit of     [list the attribute of the spirit such as fear, lust, depression, etc]     and to command it in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to depart from me, now, quietly, without harm to anyone.

[Note: You might insert in the blank to "rebuke this spirit of..." blasphemous thoughts]

I bring the power and the protection of the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ over my life. Satan has no part with me as I am sealed with the saving blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for not being all I should be in Your eyes. Let the cleansing, healing waters of my baptism wash over this me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.

Lord Jesus Christ, fill me with Your     [list the opposite attribute of the offending spirit; if fear, then list peace, if lust, the list purity, if depression, then list joy, etc]     to replace the     [list again the attribute of the spirit such as fear, lust, depression, etc]    .

[Note: this paragraph in your case could be "fill me with Your..." peace and purity of mind ... "to replace the..." spirit of blasphemous thoughts.]

Lord Jesus, bring to bear my guardian angel, and all the angels of heaven, against the forces of evil that seek to cause trouble for me.

Saint Michael, be my protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and our Mother, pray for me that I may not fall into the devil’s temptations.

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for setting me free. I praise You, I bless You, I worship You. Thank You for the wisdom and light of the Holy Spirit.

Thank You for enabling me to be aggressive against the works of the enemy. Thank You for Your hope, that takes away discouragement; thank You for ongoing victory. "...in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). Amen.

These prayers need to used for a while. One needs to be patient. But, if none of this seems to help, and the self-help advice linked below does not help, then you may want to contact me for direct counseling.

We will be in prayer for you.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

 


For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.