If you think about Jesus in the Gospels, there is always a sense of increase and multiplication with what He was doing. Jesus went about advancing His mission every day, proclaiming the Kingdom, driving out demons, and healing people. There was little down time. Jesus was either praying or advancing the restoration of the Kingdom of God on earth. We Christian disciples are called to follow His lead.
Whether you are just coming into the Church, coming back to the Church, or steadily advancing in the faith, here are 20 ways to help you along the way with whatever mission God has entrusted to you. May we all carry the cross God has given us.
20 Ways to Advance in Spiritual Warfare
Way #1 Have Confidence in God in Your Life
Psalms 27:11
LORD, show me your way; lead me on a level path.
Confidence in God
Have a greater focus on God working in your life behind the scenes. This one, I think, requires a loyal commitment on our part because it involves living in a new spiritual paradigm. It is a paradigm of faith in God that will extinguish all the burning arrows of the evil one. We put our faith in God and not in ourselves.
“Our door is faith; if it is strong enough, the whole house is safe.” + St. Ambrose
Our ways and vanities and egos are no more. God is the Way from here on out.
The wicked flee though none pursue; but the just, like a lion, are confident. Proverbs 28:1
You have to know deep in your heart and have complete faith and confidence that God is with you, within you, and He is all around you. St. Patrick understood this one well. All our confidence, all our faith, hope, and love should be in Christ.
Way #2 Start a 3 Hail Mary Devotion
Revelation 12:1
A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
3 Hail Mary Devotion (The Mini Rosary)
I have found the 3 Hail Mary devotion to be highly effective in spiritual warfare. I call it a “mini rosary” because you are praying an Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, a Glory Be, and the Fatima Prayer. Every Our Father prayer contains its own built in exorcism at the end of the prayer, “but deliver us from evil.” i.e., deliver us from the evil one, Satan , who is and has been hell bent on destroying us since the day we were born.
Then the dragon became angry with the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring, those who keep God’s commandments and bear witness to Jesus. Revelation 12:7
Petitioning the Blessed Mother to pray for us, protect us, and being devoted to her is all part of being a Catholic disciple. Praying the “mini rosary” here and there throughout the day will help to keep your heart in Christ and the things of God.
You can also just pray 3 Hail Marys and a Glory Be. Every Hail Mary prayer is a winner.
“Mary is our mother – the mother of our life, the mother of our Incarnation, the mother of our light.” + St. Aelred
Way #3 Spiritual Warfare Education
Psalms 18:32a, 35
Truly, who is God except the LORD?…Who trained my hands for war, my arms to string a bow of bronze.
Spiritual Warfare Education
The exorcists and their assistants know what to do in spiritual warfare because they are on the front lines in their ministry, God bless them. Learn what they are instructing the people they minister to do and not to do, and what they do in living out the Catholic faith. The focal point of spiritual warfare education is to know Christ.
“There will be no true life for you except in Christ, for He is the one source of true life. Apart from Him you will find only death and destruction.” + St. John Eudes
Learn as much as you can about the Catholic faith, Catholic spiritual warfare, and share it with others who could benefit from it, especially families and the patriarchs (fathers) of those families. On another level, you have to know what are the obstacles.
“Some basic education about the dangers of witchcraft and the occult are needed both in our families and the wider society. Frankly I think the Church is not doing enough to teach and to warn people. Church leaders often do not realize how widespread and dangerous these occult practices are.” Source: Exorcist Diary #292: My Daughter is a Witch, by: Msgr. Stephen Rossetti
Way #4 Frequent Use of Holy Water
Ezekiel 36:25
I will sprinkle clean water over you to make you clean; from all your impurities and from all your idols I will cleanse you.
Holy Water Blessed in the Old Rite
I obtained some holy water containers, filled them with purified water, and I asked a priest to bless them in the Old Rite. I will apply this holy water on me before I go to bed and throughout the day. Holy water will help keep you and your family protected.
Think about your Catholic baptismal vows with this one, and be faithful to pray our Catholic baptismal promises at least once a week, especially before Mass.
“From long experience I have learned that there is nothing like holy water to put devils to flight and prevent them from coming back again. They also flee from the cross, but return; so holy water must have great value. For my own part, whenever I take it, my soul feels a particular and most notable consolation.” + St. Teresa of Avila
Way #5 Avoid the Sin of Self Righteousness
Luke 18:11
The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector.
Avoiding the Sin of Self Righteousness
I recently heard a tale of two lives. One was a self righteous priest, the other was a woman who lived an immoral life. Before she died tragically, she prayed for God to take her, lest she offend Him anymore. Not only did God deliver her, but He also cleared her of any purgation because of her humility.
“Christ humbled himself. Christian, that is what you must make your own.” + St. Augustine
The priest, who was known for his pious practices, refused to marry and bury people who had been away from the Church. When he died, God put him in the bottom of purgatory. God does not think like we do. His ways are higher than our ways. Let us pray to God to give us humble hearts. Humility is mission critical in spiritual warfare.
Way #6 Frequent Adoration of the Eucharist
John 6:48
I am the bread of life.
Eucharist Adoration
I think this helps to explain why demons (fallen angels) are smarter than we are. Countless droves of baptized Catholics have been deceived by them about the Eucharist (the body, blood, soul, and Divinity of Christ).
“The Eucharist is the center of the Christian Life.” + Fr. Gabriele Amorth
Demons Hate Eucharistic Adoration
The last thing demons want you or anyone else to do is draw close to Jesus in the holy sacraments of the Church. If you want to impart more grace in your life and be a light for the faith, attend Eucharistic adoration devoutly. Lastly, Eucharistic adoration is a good way to give back to your guardian angel for all that he does for you.
Way #7 Attend Daily Mass When Possible
Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread.
Daily Mass Devotion
Daily Mass is ideal because not only does it set the tone for the day with Jesus as Lord, but you are also receiving Him in the Eucharist (hopefully in a state of grace). This will not only offer more levels of spiritual protection, but it will also help to greatly increase chances of salvation in Christ, the end goal with the Catholic faith.
“One the of the best ways to keep protected from obsession and oppression is living a normal Catholic life. Getting to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of obligation, going to confession, never committing mortal sins, staying in a state of grace, doing prayers, doing the normal Catholic devotions, a consistent prayer life, following the Church’s rules on fasting, your odds of getting extraordinary diabolic attacked is rare, very rare.” + Fr. Chad Ripperger
Daily Mass Evangelization
Lastly, you are there Evangelizing the world simply by being there in faith for Jesus. Sometimes, humble, passive Evangelization is the best Evangelization.
Way #8 Go to Confession Every Month
Luke 18:14b
Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Have You Confessed Your Sins?
It’s not a good idea to receive holy communion if you’re not in a state of grace.
Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 11:27
It would be wise to receive a blessing from the priest at holy communion instead. Although it may feel as if there will be a sense of shame with it, you will most likely shame others who haven’t been to confession in years.
And you get the blessing! Receive the Lord’s blessing from the priest.
Stay in a State of Sanctifying Grace
Since we can never be sure if we are in a state of sanctifying grace, it is a good idea to go to confession at least once per month. It takes humility to do that, and in spiritual warfare, humility is the greatest weapon there is, which leads us to the next strategy.
“Each time we sin, the Devil strengthens his grip on us. Through Penance, we loosen that grip and pull free of his control. Not only do we receive forgiveness of past sins; we receive grace to resist temptations to come. That’s why it’s so important to go to sacramental Confession regularly rather than trying to hide or ignore our sins.” Source: A Manual for Spiritual Warfare, by Dr. Paul Thigpen
Way #9 Pray The Litany of Humility
1 Peter 5:5b
“God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble.”
Pray the Litany of Humility
I have learned in my own spiritual warfare zone of the world that I need to start praying the Litany of Humility more often. This will especially prove to be effective in any hostile environments you may have to endure.
God’s Peace
Humility will always help to give you a greater share of God’s peace.
I even heard an exorcist recently say the Litany of Humility prayer is the best diagnostic check to see where you are at in the spiritual life with God.
Way #10 Daily Study of Sacred Scripture
Psalm 119:11
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Daily Scripture Study!
I read where St. Teresa of Avila said those who do not spend at least 15 minutes a day in mental prayer are animals. This holy saint would have known as she reached the ninth level of prayer with God. In addition to praying a rosary and meditating on the mysteries of the Gospels, daily Bible study will be highly effective in advancing in spiritual warfare.
“The Word of God is the most effective tool that we can use to defeat the devil. Jesus used it to renounce the temptations of the devil at the beginning of his public ministry, and in doing so, teaches us to do the same.” Source: Exorcism – The Battle Against Satan and His Demons, by Fr. Vincent Lampert
2 Methods of Daily Bible Study
- Read and contemplate 1 to 2 chapters from the Bible a day.
- Read and contemplate the daily Mass readings
You can supplement your Bible study with Bible commentary. The main thing is to be thinking and meditating on the things of God. By doing this you allow God to speak to you in the Word. Studying the Word will help keep the diabolic out of your life.
Consistent Life of Meditation
3. The members are continually to seek to increase and perfect their life of prayer, which includes not only the vocal prayers…but also a consistent life of meditation, which is very effective in driving out the demonic and avoiding demonic oppression. Source: Auxilium Christianorum
You have to engage your mind when you read scripture verses and study commentary about it. When you are meditating on scripture, you are filling yourself up with the holy things of God and the demons want nothing to do with the Word of God.
Way #11 Be Active in Works of Charity
Proverbs 22:9
The generous will be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
Walk the Path of Charity
Each and every day look for ways to make the world a better place than it was when you woke up. St. Benedict said if we want to find a dwelling place in reach heaven we have to hasten there with our good deeds in this life. Doing something as simple as opening the door for someone is a good deed. Our charity will be judged by God.
Examples of Charity
- Tithing the first fruits of your income to God,
- Giving of your time, talent, and treasure
- Parish ministry
- Spiritual works of mercy,
- Corporal works of mercy
- Good deeds
- Acts of kindness
All of these charitable acts should not only help the light of Christ to work through you, but it will also help to keep you delivered from diabolic oppression.
“Fasting is better than prayer, but almsgiving surpasses both, for love covers a multitude of sins.” + From a homily written in the second century
Way #12 Wear a Blessed Scapular
1 Corinthians 6:19
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
Blessed Scapulars
Even as I write this, I am wearing my blessed brown Carmelite scapular. I only take it off when I am in the shower, and I don’t even like doing that. I have a separate one I wear for workouts. If I am not mistaken, when St. John Paul II was shot, before his surgery, with whatever strength he had, he insisted that he would get to wear his scapular for spiritual protection before his critical operation began.
“The sacramentals that are recommended by priests and exorcists include things like medals, statues, scapulars, holy water, holy oil, blessed salt, blessed candles, sacred images, and sacred relics.” Source: Slaying Dragons – What Exorcists See and What We Should Know, by Charles D. Fraune
Scapulars of Our Lady
- Brown Scapular (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel)
- Green Scapular (Immaculate Heart of Mary)
- Black Scapular (Seven Dolours of Our Lady)
- Blue Scapular (Immaculate Conception)
- White Scapular (Immaculate Heart of Mary)
- White Scapular (Our Mother of Good Counsel)
- White Scapular (Our Lady of Ransom)
- Scapular of the Blessed Virgin Mary
As I understand, the Blessed Mother has assured that those who wear their scapular with fidelity to her, she will be there for them when they pass away and keep them safe from the prowling demons that seek to drag us down to hell beneath them.
Way #13 Be Forgiving Towards Others
Luke 6:37
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Forgiveness is Difficult
Forgiveness is difficult, but it is vital in spiritual warfare. I have been living in the single state, and it would seem some people think they can look down on you, so to speak, because you aren’t blessed with a marriage, or children, or a family like they are. Sometimes, there is almost a sense of persecution about it.
“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” + From the Lord’ Prayer (Matthew 6:12)
God has warned in scripture that if we don’t forgive others, neither will we be forgiven, and that is not good in spiritual warfare. Perhaps the best way to forgive someone is to pray for them, and consider their own struggles from God’s point of view.
Way #14 Pray the Liturgy of the Hours
Acts 10:9
The next day, while they were on their way and nearing the city, Peter went up to the roof terrace to pray at about noontime.
Liturgy of the Hours
It’s not just the Liturgy of the Hours (LOH) but the order that comes along with it. Praying the prayers at set times of the day is important. Demons are chaotic and want you to have nothing to do with discipline and order.
“In our prudential experience, most people do not need to see an exorcist and can be cleaned up through the imposition of order, prayer, catechesis, confession, and a general return to living the Catholic faith.” Source: The Liber Christo Method – A Field Manual for Spiritual Combat, by Dr. Dan Schneider
Not only is the LOH the prayer and heartbeat of the Church, but it also has a mysterious cleansing effect on the soul. I read where a pope had said praying the LOH was more important than the rosary! If you want to practice better custody of the senses (hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil) pray the LOH devoutly every day.
Way #15 Start a Devotion to St. Joseph
Matthew 1:16
Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.
Pray the Litany of St. Joseph
I read where St. Teresa of Avila said people that did not have a devotion to St. Joseph will weep when they die. St. Joseph, “the terror of demons” is our spiritual father in heaven, and he offers a great deal of protection for both individuals and families.
You can pray the Litany of St. Joseph here: Litany of St. Joseph
“Holy Church in its entirety is indebted to the Virgin Mother because through her it was judged worthy to receive Christ. But after her we undoubtedly owe special gratitude and reverence to Saint Joseph.” + St. Bernardine of Siena
Father Mark Goring and Father Donald Calloway have highly recommended consecration books to St. Joseph. Pray the Litany of St. Joseph every day. He will help you advance (increase) in the faith.
Way #16 Study the Lives of the Saints
Acts 6:8
Now Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people.
The Saints March Before Us
Studying the lives of the saints should prove to be highly beneficial in the spiritual life.
You can pick up on things the saints did to help you advance in your own spiritual warfare and formation in Christ. Example – St. Anthony Mary Claret prayed not one, not two, but three (3) rosaries a day. Amazing. The man became so holy his heart turned into a human tabernacle for the Eucharist. His heart was found incorruptible.
Examples from the Carmelite Saints
We have already mentioned a couple of tips from St. Teresa of Avila. Here is one more example – St. John of the Cross said in the spiritual life, you have to be detached from everything but God. He said where there are attachments, there is spiritual space in you that is given to the world, creation, and not the Creator, God. Our love for God must always increase with the saints and martyrs in heaven.
Saints in the Bible
Great saints like St. Stephen and St. John the Baptist show us Christ must be our all.
John 3:30
“He must increase; I must decrease.” + St. John the Baptist
Way #17 Pray the St. Michael Prayer After Mass
Jude 1:9
Yet the archangel Michael, when he argued with the devil in a dispute over the body of Moses, did not venture to pronounce a reviling judgment upon him but said, “May the Lord rebuke you!”
St. Michael the Archangel, Defend Us in Battle!
The St. Michael Prayer might be the #1 spiritual warfare prayer and for good reason. A war broke out in heaven and we fragile human beings are in the fray. Get the angels involved in your life as best as you can. They are ministering spirits ready to help us.
You want St. Michael to be there for you when you die. Allow him to protect you.
Q. 221. Mention some Archangels and tell what they did. Answer: The Archangel Michael drove Satan out of heaven; the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Blessed Virgin that she was to become the Mother of God. The Archangel Raphael guided and protected Tobias. Source: The Baltimore Catechism
Way #18 Know the Book of Proverbs
Proverbs 1:7
Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Ancient Wisdom of the Proverbs
The Book of Proverbs is filled with God’s wisdom. Proverbs serves a spiritual warfare playbook for righteous living. Proverbs will contribute to your formation, whether you are young or old. They help explain the benefits and consequence of our decisions, many of these decisions often correlate with where we are in the spiritual life.
“If you have found wisdom, you have found honey.” + St. Bernard
The Books of Wisdom and Sirach
If you want to take this way a step further, study the Old Testament books of Wisdom and Sirach and advance with Jesus (Lk 2:52). Be sure to get a Bible that has commentary to help get the most of the meaning of the verses of wisdom in these books.
Recommended Bible and Books
- A Catholic Introduction to the Bible – Old Testament – John Bergsma & Brant Pitre – Ignatius Press
- Ignatius Catholic O.T. Study Bibles for Proverbs, Wisdom, and Sirach
Way #19 Offer Up Your Sufferings to God
James 5:13
Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray.
Offer Up the Suffering
St. Thomas Aquinas said the most integral part of any religion is sacrifice. This is why it is a good idea to start the day off with a sacrificial Morning Offering to God. No longer does suffering have to be seen as something to be dreaded, feared, or despised.
There is a greater degree of purification and redemption with our suffering when it is offered to God. Offer your suffering to Jesus on the cross in reparation for sin.
“Christ endured everything for our sake so that we might live in him. Let us then imitate his constancy; if we should suffer because of his name, let us give him that glory.” + St. Polycarp
Way #20 Pray to Your Guardian Angel
Luke 15:10
There will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
Guardian Angel Guidance
Get your guardian angel to help guide you. Our guardian angels are with us, and they are watching over us. Praying the guardian angel prayer regularly will help you to have a relationship with him and provide you better protection from the diabolic.
Guardian Angel Prayer PDF
Think about the words in the prayer: it is God’s will for you to have a guardian angel…”to light and guard, to rule and guide”.
To take this a step further, pray the Angelus Prayer devoutly 3 times per day (6am, 12:00 pm, and 6pm). I started this year. What a blessing it has been! +
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he saves them. Psalms 34:8
