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9 Simple Spiritual Warfare Strategies to Protect the Family

This post is written with the Catholic family in mind, particularly the father. The father is the head of the household, and he has been given spiritual authority over his family by God. There are numerous simple spiritual warfare strategies the family can do to help keep them protected from evil. We will discuss 9 simple strategies in this post.

What Are Spiritual Duties of Catholic Fathers?

Catholic fathers should be doing such things as leading his family in prayer, blessing his wife and children with his spiritual authority, and raising their children in Christ.

“As his father you have the authority to bless your son and set him free from demons more than anyone on planet earth because of the natural law and positive law. Demons must obey lawful authority set up by God. 4th Commandment – honor your father and your mother, this demonstrates the spiritual authority you have over them.” Source: Jesse Romero Blog

What if There is No Father in the Family?

Mothers can also bless their children, lead them in prayer, and raise them in Christ.

How Should Catholic Families Be Living?

Catholic families should be living strong faith lives, prayer lives, and sacramental lives in Christ. This is what the Church and spiritual warfare experts advise:

“If you have a strong faith life, a strong prayer life, and a strong sacramental life, then you have nothing to worry about.” + Fr. Gary Thomas, exorcist (Source: Saint Michael Manual for Spiritual Warfare p.33)

9 Simple Ways to Protect the Family

In addition to Catholic families living devout lives in Christ, let us consider some spiritual warfare strategies that should help families receive God’s protection.

1. Placement of Blessed St. Benedict Medals

So extraordinary were the mighty deeds God accomplished at the hands of Paul that when face cloths or aprons that touched his skin were applied to the sick, their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. Acts 19:11-12

St. Benedict Medal Spiritual Warfare Strategy

The love of Christ must come before all else. + St. Benedict

Have the St. Benedict medals blessed in the Old Rite of blessing and place them in the four corners of the house. The placement serves as a spiritual block for the demons, keeping them out of the house and out of the lives of the family members.

You have to get the medals blessed in the Old Rite, because the old rite blessing has the exorcisms over the medal included in the rite of blessing.

You can also put the St. Benedict medals in the entrances of your house. To add more protection, you could put additional ones in the four corners of the bedrooms to help keep everyone protected while they are asleep. Also keep one on your nightstand.

I learned this strategy from listening to one of Fr. Chad Ripperger’s talks on spiritual warfare. Spiritual warfare is real! You can listen to Fr.’s talk here: Spiritual Protection.

2. Wear Blessed Carmelite Brown Scapulars

Now I am sending to you Elijah the prophet, Before the day of the LORD comes, the great and terrible day. Malachi 3:23

Chapel of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

There is something mysterious about Carmelite spirituality that is highly effective in Catholic Spiritual Warfare. Wearing a blessed scapular provides spiritual protection.

“Demons particularly hate the Brown Scapular…the Scapular is very important because it provides a level of protection.” + Fr. Chad Ripperger Source: OSMM

Carmelite Brown Scapular Spiritual Warfare Strategy

This spiritual warfare strategy is a simple one, but it requires righteous intentions of anyone who intends to wear a Carmelite brown scapular for spiritual protection.

Acquire a Carmelite brown scapular.
Enroll in the Brown Scapular Confraternity.
Wear the scapular in devotion to Our Lady.

The Carmelite Brown Scapular

FAQS: The Brown Scapular

Wear the 100% wool brown scapular continuously.
Observe chastity to one’s state in life (single/married).
Request to pray a daily rosary during the enrollment.
PDF copy of brown scapular enrollment: Enrollment.

You can read more information about the Carmelite Religious Order here: Carmelites.

3. Donate Nonperishable Food

The generous will be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. Proverbs 22:9

Donate nonperishable food to the needy in the community. The act of buying food and donating it to your local parish food pantry is not spiritual, but the intentions of doing the act are, and the generosity should prove to be a blessing for those in need and for your own family. Christ is generous, and He calls us to imitate Him.

Works of Mercy Spiritual Warfare Strategy

In addition to living a strong faith life, prayer life, and sacramental life, participating in works of mercy should help to keep your family protected from diabolic oppression.

Store up almsgiving in your treasury, and it will save you from every evil. Better than a mighty shield and a sturdy spear it will fight for you against the enemy. Sirach 29:12-13

4. Read the Magnificat

And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; Luke 1:46

Magnificat Spiritual Warfare Strategy

This strategy requires an annual subscription, but the benefits should be worth it.

“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.” + Fr. Vincent Lampert Source: Exorcism The Battle Against Satan and His Demons, p. 140

The Magnificat will help to meet the spiritual needs of the Catholic family. You can even get a protective cover for the Magnificat. The presence of the Magnificat in the family will help encourage both the parents and the children to read and pray from it.

The Magnificat

“All spiritual growth comes from reading and reflection.” + St. Isidore

5. Join the Knights of Columbus

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

This strategy is with the father of the family in mind. The Church is in an all out battle against the forces of evil. Fr. Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, is on the road to sainthood! The KC’s help out with charitable activities that provide vital assistance for priests, the parish community, and the needs of the whole Church.

Fr. Michael McGivney, Knights of Columbus Founder

Knights of Columbus Principles

The Knights of Columbus is founded on the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity. Like St. Joseph, knights help to lead, serve, protect, and defend in service to God.

Join the Knights of Columbus

Your every act should be done with love. 1st Corinthians 16:14

Sanctity of Fr. McGivney in Spiritual Warfare

Please read Exorcist Msgr. Stephen Rossetti’s post about the sanctity of Fr. McGivney.

Exorcist Diary #190: Demons Witness to Sanctity of Knights of Columbus Founder

6. Pray Deliverance Prayers for Use by the Laity

Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9

Deliverance Prayers Spiritual Warfare Strategy

Fr. Ripperger’s prayer book has experienced exponential growth over the past few years. People are seeking help. The book contains precision spiritual warfare prayers to help keep Catholic families protected from the diabolic and evil influences.

You can read my review about the book: Deliverance Prayers for Use by the Laity

“Ultimately we are powerless to protect ourselves in the spiritual warfare. Only Christ can protect us and those whom Christ has commissioned to protect us, among whom Our Lady stands above the rest. So it is in Her we place our confidence; may she protect all who use this book. Source: Deliverance Prayers for Use By the Laity, p.10

7. Join a Catholic Prayer Community

They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Acts 2:42

Catholic Prayer Community Spiritual Warfare Strategy

There is strength in numbers. This strategy simply involves joining a Catholic prayer community where the members of the prayer group pray and pray for each other. Two of the most popular are Auxilium Christianorum and the Rosary Confraternity.

Catholic Prayer Communities

You want to get underneath an authority structure for spiritual shelter from evil. Both communities require daily recitation of the rosary. Let Our Lady pray for us, amen!

Rosary Confraternity

Auxilium Christianorum

Joining a prayer community is a simple spiritual warfare strategy. Being committed to living out the requirements of the prayer community will take daily dedication.

Like a drop of water from the sea and a grain of sand, so are these few years among the days of eternity. Sirach 18:10

8. Listen to Liber Christo Spiritual Warfare

Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

Liber Christo Method (Catholic Liberation Practices)

This is a simple spiritual warfare strategy in that all you have to do is download the Virgin Most Powerful app and listen to the weekly shows at your convenience.

Virgin Most Powerful App

You can download the app here: VMP.

Spiritual Warfare Intelligence

The spiritual warfare intelligence you will receive from the Church’s leading experts in Catholic spiritual warfare is invaluable in this struggle we are in to obtain salvation for our souls and for our families. There are new posts updated on Wednesdays.

You can listen to Liber Christo here: Liber Christo Spiritual Warfare

9. Pray the Angelus (6AM, Noon, 6PM)

He will send out the angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky. Mark 13:27

Angelus Spiritual Warfare Strategy

This is a simple strategy. The Angelus prayer is ancient, and it only takes about one and a half minutes to pray. The Angelus has been prayed by Catholics for centuries.

Ancient Monastic Wisdom

It is the discipline and right order of praying the Angelus at the appointed times (6am, noon, 6pm) that should reap many blessings for Catholic families over a lifetime.

Angel

The word Angelus means Angel. I’m convinced that if you pray it, they protect you.

“One of the things we found effective in creating a good atmosphere in the home among the parents is if they get up and pray the Angelus every day at 6, noon, and 6. There is something about that prayer, it protects people in their spiritual warfare…we are trying to figure out what causes it. We think part of it is the discipline of praying it daily.” + Fr. Chad Ripperger, Exorcist

Recap

I hope you have enjoyed this post. Moving forward with any of these strategies should prove to be helpful for Catholic families in this cosmic battle we are in against evil.

9 Simple Spiritual Warfare Strategies

#	Spiritual Warfare Strategy	Verse	CCC
1	Placement of blessed St. Benedict medals.	Acts 19:11-12	1667
2	Wear blessed Carmelite brown scapulars.	Mal 3:23	2582
3	Donate nonperishable food.	P r v 22:9	1937
4	Read from the Magnificat.	Lk 1:46	2097
5	Join the Knights of Columbus.	M t 18:20	1373
6	Pray deliverance prayers for use by the laity.	1 Pt 5 :8-9	409
7	Join a Catholic prayer community.	Acts 2:42	3
8	Listen to Liber Christo Spiritual Warfare.	Eph 6:11	409
9	Pray the Angelus (6am, noon, 6pm).	Mk 13:27	331

Lastly, this strategy was not mentioned, but keep plenty of holy water in the house for daily use for Catholic families, and please consider praying the rosary. The rosary is a powerful spiritual warfare prayer that will help to keep the family protected.

“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen

More on Spiritual Warfare

20 Ways of Spiritual Protection for the Family

St. Padre Pio’s 3 Simple Weapons for Spiritual Warfare

20 Ways to Advance in Spiritual Warfare

3 Bible Verses About Sobriety for A New Life

Light, Spiritual Warfare, Wisdom

Choosing to live a life of sobriety might be one of the best decisions you ever make. You can expect to receive many blessings from God with this decision. A new life worth living in the light of His grace on your faith filled journey of Christian discipleship.

Sobriety in Christian Discipleship

In this post, we will take a look at 3 different Bible verses that involve living out 3 aspects of Christian discipleship: spiritual warfare, wisdom, and family life. Learning the Scriptures helps us to increase in the virtue of temperance. Temperance helps us to control our desires and appetites and live soberly in this life for God.

For the Word of God is living and active…Hebrews 4:12a

Verse #1 Sobriety in Spiritual Warfare

1 Peter 5:8-9a

Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith.

Spiritual Warfare: the Battle for Souls

Stay sober and alert! One variable remains the same living a life of sobriety: spiritual warfare. Although Christ has won the war with his victory on the cross and resurrection, the battle goes on until the Lord returns in glory with His angels.

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before Him. And He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. Matthew 25:31-32

Spiritual Vigilance in Prayer

St. Peter’s verse is significant because out of all the verses in the Bible, it is read every Tuesday night during Compline (night prayer) in the Church’s Liturgy of the Hours.

The “spiritual battle” of the Christian’s new life is inseparable from the battle of prayer. Catechism of the Catholic Church #2725

If you’re drinking alcohol every night, that may be a problem. You don’t want to give the demons a way to drag you down. At the end of the day and the end of our earthly lives, spiritual protection from the devil is essential for Catholic families.

“God himself is the reward and end of all our labors: I am your protector and your supreme reward.” + St. Thomas Aquinas

Living a New Life of Sobriety in Christ

As one who has both drank and now lives without it, let me say sobriety should give you a newfound look on life. The light of Christ will shine down on you in unexpected ways! His graces will flow to help you complete the mission He has entrusted to you.

“In such a difficult mission one has to be holy.” + St. Peter Chanel

Experience the Benefits of a Life of Sobriety

My experience with sobriety is you will be more productive, you will feel more healthy, and in accordance with this verse, you will avoid oppression from the devil.

“If you’re practicing the faith, you’re protected!” + Msgr. Stephen Rossetti, Catholic priest and American exorcist

Verse #2 Sobriety in God’s Wisdom

Ephesians 5:18

And do not get drunk on wine, in which lies debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.

Drunkenness Leads to Foolishness

This verse doesn’t forbid us to drink wine. Jesus turned water into wine in the Gospel. Rather, this verse forbids us to overindulge in drinking alcohol which can lead one to making foolish decisions that offend God and lead to selfishness, sin, and darkness.

Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

Living Wisely in a State of Grace

Stay sober and vigilant! Should you partake in excess alcohol consumption, not only can this lead to debauchery and bad decision making, but it can also lead to a lifestyle of unrepentant mortal sin, addiction, and even the most tragic consequences.

Wine has been the ruin of many. Sirach 31:25b

Faithfully Keep the Commandments

The wisest thing you can do in this life as a Catholic is to keep the commandments and stay in a state of grace. If you want to be filled with God’s sanctifying grace, sobriety is a must. Sanctifying grace is the indwelling of the Holy Trinity within us that we receive at our baptism. Living soberly for Christ helps keep God’s holy light within you.

Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. Ephesians 5:8-9

Verse #3 Sobriety in the Family

1 Thessalonians 5:7

Those who sleep go to sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night.

God Is Not Pleased with Drunkenness

There is an old saying that nothing good goes on after midnight. Similarly, the Bible has several verses about drunkenness, and none of them speak of anything good. Getting drunk can lead to eternal consequences for those who willingly persist in it.

Reference	Description	Verse
God angry	The inhabitants of the land drunk…	Jer 13:13
Stay alert	Beware…carousing and drunkenness…	Luk 21:34
Darkness	Not in orgies and drunkenness, promiscuity…	Rom 13:13
Judgment	Living in debauchery, evil desires, drunkenness…	1 Pt 4:3

A Father Son Talk

In the book of Tobit, a father instructs his son to stay disciplined and sober. He goes on to say to be active in works of mercy. That is a good test for sanctifying grace. If you have it, you’re praying for others, you’re generous in good deeds and charity. You’re living out your days soberly and serving God with the talents He entrusted to you.

Be on your guard, son, in everything you do; be wise in all that you say and discipline yourself in all your conduct. Do to no one what you yourself hate. Do not drink wine till you become drunk or let drunkenness accompany you on your way. Give to the hungry some of your food, and to the naked some of your clothing. Whatever you have left over, give away as alms… Tobit 14b:16a

I am grateful for the father son talks my father gave me while I was growing up. My mother and father raised my sister and I soberly and with love. If you are a Catholic father, bless your children and form them in the wisdom of Christ.

Catholic Families Living Soberly for Christ

The best way for Catholic families to keep their children away from the darkness of drugs and alcohol is to keep them in the light of Christ. This is done when a Catholic family makes Christ the center of their lives, both in their hearts and in their homes.

If you are wise, know that you have been created for the glory of God and your own eternal salvation. This is your goal; this is the center of your life; this is the treasure of your heart. If you reach this goal you will find happiness. If you fail to reach it you will find misery.” – St. Robert Bellarmine

Catholic parents set the best example by living living soberly, participating in the sacraments, blessing their children, praying, and growing together in the Word.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through Him, and without Him nothing came to be. What came to be through Him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5

More New Testament Sobriety Verses

The Bible is abundant in wisdom. When we read the Scriptures, we find that they help us to grow in Christ’s light. They help to strengthen our virtues. They help us to better understand who God is and how to live righteously. Here are some other Bible verses to help you on your way to living a life of sobriety in the light of His grace.

St. Peter’s Sobriety Verses

1 Peter 1:13

Gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Girding up the loins of our minds means that this life is no rehearsal. It is the real thing. Christ’s glorious return might happen sooner than we may think. At the end of this life, everything leads to Christ. We can do nothing without Him, as He himself says in the Gospel. We put our faith and our focus on Him, living soberly and with purpose. Christ is our purpose. His holiness will help us to live and grow in His love.

“Christ gave himself to us as the vine to the branches; apart from Him we cannot have life.” + St. Augustine

1 Peter 2:2-3

Long for pure spiritual milk so that through it you may grow into salvation, for you have tasted that the Lord is good.

We grow in Christ when we exchange the habits of our former way of life for new habits in Christ. Carry the cross and cling to your baptism. Build your life around your baptismal promises, rejecting all that is contrary to the faith. Stay closely connected to the sacraments of the Church, for there is the flow of God’s grace where the Spirit of the Lord greets us and helps us to grow in His Word, loving and serving Him.

St. Paul’s Sobriety Verses

1 Thessalonians 5:8

Since we are of the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love and the helmet that is hope for salvation.

As mentioned in Verse #2, St. Paul goes on to say in Ephesians to be filled with the Spirit instead. With God’s Spirit, we experience peace and the fullness of life in Christ.

Ephesians 5:18b-20

Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.

Your faith in God will help Him to lead you in His light. Your love for Christ and His kingdom will help His grace to flow within you and keep you busy in your sobriety living for God. Singing psalms and hymns? We do this at Mass! Try going to the morning Masses and make the early morning hours a sacred time of the day, praying to God from your heart and giving Him thanks for all of His blessings.

“The house of God is the Church, his marvelous dwelling place, filled with joyful voices giving thanks and praise.” + St. Jerome

Living in the Light of Sobriety

I hope this post helps to bring new graces of God’s light into your life. Living a life of sobriety for Christ, serving Him with your talents, and having a personal relationship with Jesus should prove to be one of the wisest decisions you can ever make.

I can do all things in Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Offer Up Your Sobriety to the Lord

“Beloved, Jesus Christ is our salvation, He is the high priest through whom we present our offerings and the Helper who supports us in our weakness.” + St. Clement I

If you need motivation with the decision, offer up your sobriety as a sacrifice to Jesus on the cross. Offer it up for anyone you know who tragically lost their lives to alcohol.

Living soberly should prove to have redemptive value both in this life and the next.

Rely on the mighty LORD; constantly seek His face. 1 Chronicles 16:11

4 Ways to Make Your Prayers Powerful and Effective

Faith, Spiritual Warfare

Scripture teaches us ways to make our prayers powerful. We should always want our prayers to rise up to heaven with faith and devotion before the glory of the Lord. This post will help give you assurance from scripture that your prayers can be powerful both in your life and in the lives of others who are in need of your prayers

The Power of Prayer

Call to me, and I will answer you. Jeremiah 33:3a

I learned about the four ways to make your prayers powerful from Catholic author and spiritual warfare expert, Jesse Romero. Here is a talk he gave on the power of prayer.

#1 Live in a State of Grace

Pray to God living a good an righteous life before Him

The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful. James 5:16

It says in the Bible, God will not listen to the prayers of someone who is living a sinful and unrighteous life. Sins of pride, covetousness, and lust battle against us.

We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if one is devout and does His will, He listens to him. John 9:31

“Prayer and the sacraments protect us from sin. They are like a strong fortress against which the enemy strikes in vain, and within which the soul remains safe in the grace of God.” Source: A Manual of Religion My Catholic Faith A Catechism in Pictures

This isn’t just Way #1, this is the Bible’s wisdom for us all to consider:

The LORD is far from the wicked, but hears the prayer of the just. Proverbs 15:29

If you want your prayers to be powerful, go to confession regularly and live your life in a state of grace. The Bible says those who think they are without sin are deceived.

If we say, “We are without sin,” we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8

#2 Pray from a Position of Authority

Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” Jesus…rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!” Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!” But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up. Mark 9:24-27

“Because evil spirits are extremely legalistic, they fixate on the issue of authority. It’s to our benefit to live within the Divine construct of authority.” Source: A Family Guide to Spiritual Warfare by Kathleen Beckman

Examples of Spiritual Authority

Here are some examples to consider in the Divine construct of spiritual authority:

The bishop prays for his diocesan families.
The priest prays for his parish families.
The husband prays (imprecatory prayers) for his wife.
The wife prays (deprecatory prayers) for her husband.
The father prays for his children.
The mother prays for her children.
The baptized prays for oneself.

Explanation of Deprecatory Prayers

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti: “Laity do have a deliverance ministry based upon their baptism and should indeed pray for demons to depart. But we recommend that they use what we call ‘deprecatory’ prayers. “Instead of addressing demons directly, we recommend that they direct their prayers to God (or Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or St. Michael) and ask them to cast out Satan. It is unwise for the laity to confront demons directly and certainly not to engage in any sort of questioning or conversation. Source: ChurchPOP

Levels of Spiritual Authority

Here are some levels of authority to consider in the Divine construct of authority:

The bishop’s apostolic authority over his diocese
The priest’s ordained authority over his parish
Spousal authority (e.g. wife prays deprecatory prayers)
Parental authority over their children
Baptismal authority over oneself and temporal goods

The father’s prayer is powerful because he is praying to God from a position of authority he has as the father of his son. Even if you are not a father, mother, or a member of the ordained clergy of the Catholic Church, you can still pray from a powerful level of authority through your baptism in Christ.

Through Baptism the Christian is sacramentally assimilated to Jesus, who in his own baptism anticipates his death and resurrection. CCC 537

#3 Your Prayer Has to be Specific

Jabez prayed to the God of Israel: “Oh, that you may truly bless me and extend my boundaries! May your hand be with me and make me free of misfortune, without pain!” And God granted his prayer. 1 Chronicles 4:10

Per Catholic spiritual warfare expert, Jesse Romero, our prayers are powerful when our prayers are specific. There has to be intentionality with out prayers.

Matthew 7:7 Principle: “Ask, and You Will Receive.”

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

Precision is Everything in Spiritual Warfare

“Deliverance prayers are very effective. Precision prayers are what makes them very efficacious. Fr. Ripperger’s prayer book, there are specific prayers against Freemasonry, prayers against temptations, prayer against overcoming addictions. Deliverance prayers are highly effective in self deliverance, in relation to self as we have 100% authority over our will and intellect.” + Jesse Romero

#4 Be Persistent with Your Prayers

The beauty of God's peace as we experience in our prayers

The Canaanite Woman’s Faith.

Matthew 15:21-28

Then Jesus went from that place and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not say a word in answer to her. His disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, …for she keeps calling out after us.” He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But the woman came and did him homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.

The Canaanite Woman’s Prayer for Her Daughter

The Canaanite woman completes the 4 ways to make your prayers powerful:

1. She was in a state of grace (she was with Jesus!).

2. She prayed from a position of authority (mother of her child).

3. She was very specific with her prayer intention (heal my daughter).

4. She persisted in her prayer to Jesus about healing her daughter.

Persistence in Prayer

You can prove your faith in God through the persistence of your prayers just as the Canaanite woman did with Jesus in the aforementioned scripture passage.

Think again about what Jesus says in Matthew 7:7. He goes on to say in the next verse that everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Nine Day Novena Prayers Can Do Miracles

Be persistent with your prayer intentions with an enduring faith in Christ. If you need an answer on something specific, try praying a nine day rosary novena. You can make your prayer petition at the end of the rosary for each of the nine days.

“To spend much time in prayer is to knock with a persistent and holy fervor at the door of the One whom we beseech.” + St. Augustine

Closing Thoughts

Your prayers can be very powerful before the Lord if you want them to be. We have learned through the teaching of Sacred Scripture how to help make the most of them:

Stay in a state of sanctifying grace (frequent the Church sacraments).
Pray from a position of authority (example: your baptismal authority).
Be specific with your prayers (precision makes your prayers more effective).
Be persistent with your prayers (prove your faith to God with your persistence).

Catholic Spiritual Warfare

Most of the information in this post I have learned from Catholic spiritual warfare experts such as Jesse Romero, Kyle Clement, and Dan Schneider. May God bless them for their ministry. I have also followed exorcists who teach Catholic spiritual warfare such as Fr. Chad Ripperger, Msgr. Stephen Rossetti, and Fr. Vincent Lampert.

Catholic Exorcists

Fr. Vincent Lampert: Teaching Ministry of the Power of God
Fr. Chad Ripperger: Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother
Msgr. Stephen Rossetti: St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal

Catholic Spiritual Warfare Experts

Kyle Clement: Monte Christo Spiritual Warfare
Jesse Romero: Jesse Romero Blog
Dr. Dan Schneider: Liber Christo Ministry of Liberation

The Warfare of Christ

We Catholics are Called by Christ to Pray and do Battle with Him +

But in Confirmation these three things are chiefly to be noted: the divine power which, as a principal cause, operates in the Sacrament; the strength of mind and soul which is imparted by the sacred unction to the faithful unto salvation; and finally, the sign impressed on him who is to enter upon the warfare of Christ. Source: Catechism of the Council of Trent

Christ Leads the Way with a priest processing with Eucharist in monstrance and heavenly light.

How to Keep Catholic Families Out of the Occult (4 Ways)

Spiritual Warfare

The occult is on the rise and wreaking havoc in Catholic families today. Some Catholics are dabbling in the occult, often unwittingly, and the consequences with it can be devastating for the afflicted person and for the family members and friends of the afflicted person.

What is the Occult?

The word occult means “hidden” or “secret.” The Latin word is occultus. The world of the occult primarily revolves around magic and divination. There are many forms of the occult, and it is increasingly becoming more accepted in our society today.

The most significant forms of occultism are magic, astrology, fortune-telling, and or spiritism. + Fr. Gabriele Amorth

Some may be attracted to the occult through curiosity, while others engage in occult practices seeking self-preservation. Regardless of either, the effects of the occult can be detrimental for Catholics, possibly resulting in demonic activity and affliction.

Jesus questioned his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He replied, “Since childhood. Mark 9:21

Amulets
Astrology
Augury
Automatic Writing
Blood pacts
Bloody Mary
Certain Video Games
Chakras
Channeling
Charley Charley
Charms
Chi
Clairvoyance
Communication with the Dead
Conjuring
Covens
Crystals
Curses
De-baptism
Dreamcatcher
Feng Shui
Fortunetelling
Freemasonry
Harry Potter
Hexes
Horoscopes
Infested Objects
Interpretation of Omens and Lots
Kabala
Magic
Magic 8-Ball
Medium Guidance
Necromancy
New Age Practices
Ouija Boards
Palm Readings
Pendulums
Potions
Psychic
Reiki
Reflexology
Religious Syncretism
Santa Muerte
Santeria
Seances
Sorcery
Soul Ties
Spells
Spiritism
Superstition
Talisman
Tarot Cards
Tea Leaf Reading
Transcendental Meditation
Voodoo
Water Witching
Wicca
Witchcraft
Wizardry
Yoga

Why Should Catholics Avoid the Occult?

Catholics should stay out of the occult and avoid any form of it as much as possible because occult practices in all of its forms is a violation of the 1st Commandment.

You shall not have other gods beside me. Exodus 20:3

What Does Jesus Say About the Occult?

Jesus says in the Gospel to stay yoked to Him, thereby staying out of the occult.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. Matthew 11:29

The more you learn about Sacred Scripture, the stronger your faith life in Christ should be. And what a blessing that is for Catholic families. A strong faith life in Christ, and knowledge of who God is from the Bible will help keep Catholics out of the occult.

Thus says the LORD: Stand by the earliest roads, ask the pathways of old, “Which is the way to good?” and walk it; thus you will find rest for yourselves. Jeremiah 6:16a

Is the Rise in the Occult Afflicting Catholic Families in Our Society Today?

Yes. The rise in the occult is afflicting Catholic families and putting a strain on the clergy involved in the deliverance ministry: Exorcists are Overwhelmed

How to Keep Catholic Families Out of the Occult

Below are four authentic ways to keep Catholics families out of the occult. Fathers of Catholic families should have recourse in making sure these strategies are carried out for the sake of keeping their families safe from the occult and evil influences.

I learned these four ways from Liber Christo. The Liber Christo Method, a Field Manual for Spiritual Combat is one of the best books available on Catholic Spiritual Warfare. You can read my book review here: 10 Best Books for Catholic Spiritual Warfare

“The ultimate antidote against the occult is the practice of the authentic. The ordinary means of the sanctification of the soul to counteract unholy desire for the occult include attending Mass, Christian prayer, rosary, and the devotional reading of the Bible.” Source: Freedom Through Christ, The Catholic Approach to Liberation, Companion Guide Revised Edition

Way #1 Attend Mass Devoutly

Families attending Mass in a Catholic Church

“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. John 6:35b

Stay Close to Christ in the Sacraments of the Church

The Eucharist, the body of Christ, is the source and summit of the Catholic Faith. Families receiving the body, blood, soul and Divinity of Jesus at holy communion in a state of grace will be blessed in Christ and yoked to Him in the holy sacrament.

“A flock belonging to a man feels secure in the care of its human shepherd; how much safer should we feel when our shepherd is God.” + St. Augustine, bishop 354-430 A.D.

Live a Holy Catholic Life Pleasing to God

Fr. Chad Ripperger, exorcist, has stated that living a full sacramental Catholic life and remaining in a state of sanctifying grace, is one of the principal means by which you keep yourself and your family protected from diabolical influences.

Similarly, Fr. Vincent Lampert has said that the devil is already on the run if you are going to Church and especially if you are receiving communion.

Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. John 6:53

Way #2 Be Devoted to Prayer

Pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. Ephesians 6:18a

Pray Devoutly in Union With the Church

St. John Vianney said prayer is nothing else but union with God. When we pray, we put ourselves in connection with God and the Divine life. Praying helps to keep us and our families yoked in Christ and distanced from all forms and practices of the occult.

“The family that prays together, stays together.” + Fr. Patrick Peyton

Praying is a must for all Catholic families, especially if families are under the attack of evil influences. Fr. Amorth (2016 +) has stated from his own experience as an exorcist that when families are in spiritual combat with a demon, the family must stay united together, despite any difficulties, and combat the demon with much prayer.

Unfortunately, families are not exempt from the extraordinary actions of Satan, even if it is only a single member who has been struck by an evil spell. + Fr. Gabriele Amorth

Way #3 Pray the Rosary

“Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:28b

Pray Our Blessed Mother’s Rosary

Our Blessed Mother at Fatima continually told the three child visionaries for the Church to pray her rosary every day. It would seem her request has been downgraded by the Church and often supplanted and replaced with the Divine Mercy message.

It should be noted that in certain precarious situations, church leaders will often hold rosary vigils in an urgent effort to fend off evil or to help stabilize an ongoing crisis.

With the rise of the occult and the diabolic in our culture, it would make sense for parishes and families to honor our Blessed Mother’s request and pray the rosary. In addition, praying the rosary will help provide a family spiritual protection.

“Dear Dominic, do you know which weapon the Blessed Trinity wants to use to reform the world?…I want you to know that, in this kind of warfare, the battering ram has always been the Angelic Psalter, which is the foundation stone of the New Testament.” + Our Lady to St. Dominic

Way #4 Daily Bible Study

I have stored up your Word in my heart that I may not sin against you. Psalms 119:11

Make Bible Study a Daily Habit

Author and spiritual warfare expert, Kathleen Beckman, says families should take time each day to read from the Bible. She also advises us to memorize scripture verses to use in spiritual combat, and she reminds us that our Lord Jesus Christ chose to use the holy armament of Sacred Scripture to defeat the devil and his temptations.

“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.” + Fr. Vincent Lampert, exorcist

If you want to keep your family out of the occult see to it that you take some time each day and read from the Bible or the daily readings. This is the true way of a Christian disciple. To love God, we have to know Him, and as St. Hippolytus has said, there is only one God, and we learn about God through Sacred Scripture.

Deuteronomy 6:5-7

You shall love the LORD, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength. Take to heart these words which I command you today.Keep repeating them to your children. Recite them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up.

Final Thoughts

Catholic families today must strive to stay out of the occult. The best way to stay out of the occult is to strive to live a holy, Catholic life with the family united in prayer.

Attend Mass devoutly as a family
Family prayer devotions
Pray the rosary every day
Devotional Bible study

As Catholics, we all have a part to play with acts of charity and works of mercy. Lets pray and help keep Catholic families out of the occult and safely yoked to Christ.

“Be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16b

“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39

How to Receive Sanctifying Grace: A Complete Guide

Sacred Scripture, Spiritual Warfare

Catholic families should have a basic understanding of what sanctifying grace is and how to receive it. In our Catholic faith, the Church teaches we can’t get to heaven and have eternal life with God without having this special grace within us when we die.

What is Sanctifying Grace?

After Jesus was baptized, He came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon Him. Matthew 3:16

The Presence of the Spirit of God in creation.

A Catholic Definition of Sanctifying Grace:

Sanctifying grace is a gift given freely and permanently to us by God through our baptism that makes the soul holy and pleasing to God. With sanctifying grace, God infuses the gifts of the Holy Spirit within our souls.

Sanctify – The word sanctify means to make something holy, sacred, and pure.
Grace – The word grace in the general sense means unmerited favor from God.

Sanctifying Grace is a Gift from God

The Catechism of the Catholic Church’s provides a definition about sanctifying grace:

Sanctifying grace is an habitual gift, a stable and supernatural disposition that perfects the soul itself to enable it to live with God, to act by his love. Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church #2000

Sanctifying Grace is Pleasing to God

When we are in a state of grace, we have the indwelling of the Holy Trinity within us!

“Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him. John 14:23b

Sanctifying grace is the grace that makes the soul holy and pleasing to God. There are many graces God has given the Church. Sanctifying grace is the most important one because it is the grace that allow us to participate in the Divine life with God.

“Grace and the gift of the Trinity are given by the Father through the Son in the Holy Spirit.” + St. Athanasius

Sacrament of Baptism

We are anointed with God’s sanctifying grace at our baptism. It is a free, gratuitous gift from God. The Holy Spirit dwells within us and makes us a new creation in Christ.

So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Increasing in God’s Grace

Sanctifying grace helps the soul to grow and increase in virtue, charity, avoid sin, and live in a deeper communion with God. This special grace can be increased in our souls through the various means of the Church. Here are some examples:

Sacraments: Frequent the Church’s sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
Prayer: Vocal prayer, meditative prayer, and contemplative prayer.
Daily Bible study: Learning and pondering the Word in your heart.
Lectio Divina: An ancient meditation on God’s Word.
Works of Mercy: Spiritual and corporal works of mercy for others.
Obedience: Obedience to God’s will and His commandments.

Sacrament of the Eucharist

Catholic Families Increasing in Grace

Catholic families can increase in God’s grace by receiving and adoring the Holy Eucharist in a state of grace. The Eucharist is the body, blood, soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. The Eucharist has been celebrated in the Church since the apostles.

They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Acts 2:42

Receiving the Eucharist

Jesus teaches us in the Gospel of St. John, Chapter 6, than unless we eat His flesh and drink His blood, we have no life in Him (Jn 6:53). Our souls need to be nourished by the Eucharist just as our bodies need to be nourished with food.

“Just as bread from the earth, when it receives the invocation of God, is no longer common bread but the Eucharist, made up of two elements, one earthly and one heavenly, so also our bodies, in receiving the Eucharist, are no longer corruptible, for they have the hope of resurrection.” + St. Irenaeus

Adoration of the Eucharist

Every Catholic family should make frequent trips to visit Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. In the Blessed Sacrament, we adore Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist. As Catholics, we believe we receive graces when we visit Christ and adore Him.

“Do you want Our Lord to grant you many graces? Visit Him often. Do you want Him to grant you only a few? Visit Him only seldom.” + St. John Bosco

Unmerited Grace

The main thing to keep in mind about sanctifying grace is that it is an unmerited grace given to us by God through our baptism that makes the soul holy. The more we strive to grow in holiness through the sacraments, the more graces we will receive from God.

Strive for peace with everyone, and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14

Sanctifying Grace in the Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Light, Way and Truth of Christ in His Church

The Catechism of The Catholic Church’s Definition of Sanctifying Grace

God breathes His life into us when we receive His sanctifying grace at baptism. The soul is made holy through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The holy sacraments of the Catholic Church help to keep our souls clean, healthy, and in right order with God.

Sanctifying grace is the gratuitous gift of his life that God makes to us; it is infused by the Holy Spirit into the soul to heal it of sin and to sanctify it. #2023

Overview of Sanctifying Grace in the Catechism

Reference	Description	Catechism #
Favor	Grace is favor, free, undeserved, God gives us…	1996
Divine life	Grace is participation in the life of God…	1997
Supernatural	Supernatural initiative dependent on God…	1998
Infused	Grace of Christ, infused by the Holy Spirit in soul…	1999
Perfects	Perfects/sanctifies soul in order to live with God…	2000

Characteristics of Sanctifying Grace

Reflecting on the wisdom of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we learn that sanctifying grace has certain characteristics associated with it considered below.

Favor

Grace is unmerited favor given to us freely by God (through baptism).

Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. John 17:3

Divine Life

Sanctifying grace enables us to participate in the Divine life of God through holy communion with Him as adopted sons and daughters of God.

As proof that you are children, God sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Galatians 4:6

Supernatural

Grace is a supernatural gift that only God can graciously give us through His love for us. Like the vocation to eternal life with God, it is beyond human understanding. We are called to have faith in Christ, to love Him, and to be with Him always.

Let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help. Hebrews 4:16

Infused

The grace of Christ is infused into our souls by the work of the Holy Spirit. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit heals the human soul from sin and sanctifies it.

Whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. John 4:14

Perfects

Sanctifying grace helps the soul to live with God, keep His commandments, and love others the way God loves us freely and unconditionally.

Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48

How Does Sanctifying Grace Differ from Actual Grace?

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 1 Corinthians 16:23

There are two primary kinds of grace: sanctifying grace and actual grace. Both graces are supernatural gifts given to us by God, and they are both needed for our salvation. This table below helps show the similarities and differences between the two graces.

Overview of Sanctifying Grace and Actual Grace

Description	Sanctifying Grace	Actual Grace
Baptism	provides	increases
Confession	restores	increases
Confirmation	increases	increases
Eucharist	increases	increases
Anointing of sick	increases	increases
Matrimony	increases	increases
Holy Orders	increases	increases
Duration	permanent	temporary
Venial sins	decreases	decreases
Mortal sin	takes away	decreases
Good deeds	increases	involved
Prayer	increases	increases
Temptations	caution	protection

The Conversion of Saul (St. Paul)

Actual Grace Example

When Saul was on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians there, the light of Christ flashed upon him. Saul fell off his horse and had to make a decision to accept or reject Jesus in his heart. Saul chose to accept Christ. This is an example of actual grace.

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Acts 9:4b

Sanctifying Grace Example

Just three days later Saul was baptized in Christ, and he wasted no time in proclaiming in the synagogues that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. This surge within Paul to go out and proclaim Christ to the world was the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Trinity was dwelling within Paul from his baptism. The breath of God flowed within him.

He stayed some days with the disciples in Damascus, and he began at once to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. Acts 9:19b-20

St. Paul’s Sanctifying Grace

It says in the book of Galatians, St. Paul was eager to help the poor.

We were to be mindful of the poor, which is the very thing I was eager to do. Galatians 2:10

That’s a good way to measure sanctifying grace. It means you are clean of heart.

The man who is kindly, modest, merciful and just will not keep his good works to himself but will see to it that these admirable fountains send out their streams for the good of others. Again, The man who is clean of heart, a peacemaker and ardent for truth will order his life so as to contribute to the common good. – St. John Chrysostom

When you have sanctifying grace, you are in friendship with the Lord. You want to be like Him, who in the first chapter of St. John’s Gospel says the Word is “full of grace and truth (Jn 1:14).” The grace of the holy God within you is eager to be light for others with spiritual and corporal works of mercy and charitable to others in need.

“The Eucharist commits us to the poor…” CCC 1397

Receiving Sanctifying Grace (3 Steps)

This is how we know that we remain in Him and He in us, that He has given us of His Spirit. 1 John 4:13

Step #1: Accept Jesus Christ in Your Heart.

Accept Jesus Christ in your heart, and believe that Jesus is the Son of the living God.

“We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only son of God, eternally begotten of the Father…” + From the Nicene Creed

Step #2: Attend RCIA at Your Catholic Parish.

Wherever you are in the world, find an RCIA program to enroll in at your nearest Roman Catholic parish. RCIA is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

Step #3: Get Baptized in Christ.

Receive the sacrament of baptism and receive God’s gracious gift of sanctifying grace!

“By giving us his Son, whom He did not spare precisely so that He might spare us, God bestowed on us at once every good: grace, love and heaven.” + St. Alphonsus Liguori

What Effect Does Sanctifying Grace Have on a Baptized Soul?

Live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10

Catholic Families in Christ

Catholic families should have an understanding of what sanctifying grace does when it is flowing within a soul that is baptized in Christ and living in a state of grace.

#1 It makes the soul holy and pleasing to God.

Those who have sanctifying grace in their souls are receiving graces from the Holy Spirit, and their souls are pleasing to God. Think of the Hail Mary Prayer:

“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee!…”

Not only does your soul accommodate the Holy Spirit when you have sanctifying grace, but you are also prone to good works prompted by the Spirit. This pleases God.

‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Matthew 25:34-36

#2 It makes us adopted children of God.

Children follow their parents. It is no different with one who has sanctifying grace. A soul with sanctifying grace will be led by the Holy Spirit and be fruitful for the Lord.

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:14

#3 It makes us temples of the Holy Spirit.

I believe this is the most important thing about sanctifying grace. When you have it, the triune God is dwelling within you . God is walking the hallways of your soul.

“It can easily be shown from examples both in the Old Testament and the New that the Spirit changes those in whom He comes to dwell; He so transforms them that they begin to live a completely new kind of life.” + St. Cyril of Alexandria

#4 It gives us the right to heaven.

Sanctifying grace gives us the right to heaven because heaven dwells within us through the presence of the Holy Spirit. The “wedding garment” of sanctifying grace is a must! We cannot expect to receive salvation in Christ if we have refused Him.

“Sanctifying grace is like a new garment, so it is represented by the wedding garment and the Parable of the Wedding Feast.” Source: The Catechism Explained, Fr. Francis Spirago

Christ will inspect us at the judgment. Not everyone will have a wedding garment.

My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. Matthew 22:12

Can I Lose Sanctifying Grace?

If anyone sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not deadly, he should pray to God and he will give him life…there is such a thing as deadly sin. 1 John 5:16

Mortal Sin

You can lose your sanctifying grace with God through mortal sin. Mortal sin deprives the soul of the divine and spiritual life with God. Mortal sin also displeases God.

It is your sins that make God hide His face so that He does not hear you. Isaiah 59:2b

4 Examples of Mortal Sin

Grave matters of pride
Fornication
Viewing pornography on the internet
Deliberately missing Mass on Sunday (CCC 2181)

“Without sanctifying grace, the soul is without God; and without God, the soul becomes the devil’s.” Source: My Catholic Faith, Lesson #39

3 Conditions of Mortal Sin

Mortal sin is a sin of grave matter.
Mortal sin is committed with full knowledge of the sinner.
Mortal sin is committed with deliberate consent of the sinner

You can find more information about mortal sin here: List of Mortal Sins.

“God said: My spirit will not remain in men, for they are flesh. God thus shows that spiritual grace is repelled by uncleanness of the flesh and by the stain of more serious sin.” + St. Ambrose

Restoring Sanctifying Grace

If we feel the weight of sin on our conscience we should go to the sacrament of confession as soon as possible. When we confess our sins with a contrite heart, absolution from the priest restores sanctifying grace, the breath of God, in our souls.

What is Living in a State of Grace?

The righteous must still do right, and the holy still be holy.” Revelation 22:11b

Church Teaching: Live in a State of Grace

The Catholic Church has taught throughout the centuries that we will never know for sure, (even the most saintly people), if we are living in a state of grace (i.e. sanctifying grace) unless it has been revealed to us by a special revelation from God.

CANON XVI. – If any one says, that he will for certain, of an absolute and infallible certainty, have that great gift of perseverance unto the end,-unless he have learned this by special revelation; let him be anathema (accursed). Source: The Council of Trent, Sixth Session, Canons

Spiritual Protection from Evil Influences

I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. John 7:15

The father of the family should assess whether he and his family are living in a state of grace. This is important because the father of the family has been given the authority by God to bless his wife and children. Living in a state of grace is a Catholic family’s #1 line of defense for spiritual protection from extraordinary evil influences.

Here are 20 ways to help families live in a state of grace: Spiritual Protection.

What Are Some Scriptural Examples of Sanctifying Grace?

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. John 6:56

The Bible has numerous verses about sanctifying grace. We will consider 4 verses. The main thing to keep in mind here is the Holy Spirit, the dispenser of God’s grace.

#1 Christ has earned for us the gift of grace.

All have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24

As Catholics, we have received unmerited favor from God through our baptism. We are members of His covenant family. When Christ died for us on the cross, He took away our sins through the shedding of His Precious Blood . It is through His blood we have been sanctified, redeemed in Christ, and freed from the slavery of sin.

“Grace is first and foremost the gift of the Spirit who justifies and sanctifies us…” Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church #2003

#2 Bodies with sanctifying grace flowing within them are temples of the Holy Spirit.

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? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

It is important to note here that in this context St. Paul is talking about the physical body and not the soul. When we are baptized, we share in the same spirit and holy attributes of Christ such as chastity and the physical act of worship due to God.

“Sanctifying grace divinizes our bodies. It makes them holy. It makes them temples.” + Dr. Scott Hahn

#3 A soul with sanctifying grace will be led by the Holy Spirit to do good works for the Lord.

Every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Matthew 7:17-19

A soul living in a state of grace keeps the commandments of God. Speech will be wholesome and conduct will be orderly. The soul is rooted in scripture, watered by the Spirit, and receives growth through living a life of repentance and service to God.

“Like a dry tree which puts forth shoots when watered, the soul bears the fruit of holiness when repentance has made it worthy of receiving the Holy Spirit.” + St. Cyril of Jerusalem

#4 Those who die with sanctifying grace in their souls will be with God forever.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept. John 14:16-17b

If you pass from this world in a state of grace with God, you have been obedient to Him to the end just as Christ was always obedient to the Father. Love is truly the answer here. When the Spirit dwells within us, we love God and we love each other.

“Earn for yourself the psalmist’s praise: He gave freely to the poor; his righteousness will endure forever.” + St. Basil

Mountain valley with flowing spring water

9. Recap

I hope you have enjoyed this post about sanctifying grace. As a recap:

Receive: We receive sanctifying grace when we are baptized in Christ.
Lose: We can fall from grace by living in a state of mortal sin.
Restore: Sanctifying grace is restored through the sacrament of confession.
Increase: We increase in grace by living a repentant life in obedience to God.

“We shall share Christ’s power, if, through holy faith and the sacraments, we willingly accept the grace Christ earned for us, and live by that grace and in obedience to Christ.” + St. Charles Borromeo

Resources about Grace:

Sensus Fidelium has several videos about sanctifying grace: Sensus Fidelium.

Including Fr. Chad Ripperger, who gives a lecture about God’s grace: Grace.

Catholic author, Jesse Romero, gives a lecture about: Living in a state of grace.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaching about the Grace of God.

Christ Jesus is the Source of God’s Grace

If you want to live in a state of grace, you have to make Christ the center of your life. When you come to Jesus in faith, you are leaving your old way of life behind you in obedience to Christ. As the scripture says, rivers of living water will flow. Let Christ’s grace flow in you through the Word and the Sacraments.

Jesus stood up and exclaimed, “Let anyone who thirsts come to me, as scripture says: ‘Rivers of living water will flow from within him.'” He said this in reference to the Spirit that those who came to believe in Him were to receive.” John 7:37b-38

3 People Who Evangelized for Jesus in the Gospel

New Evangelization

As Catholics, we are called to evangelize for Jesus. People have been giving testimony about Jesus Christ being the Son of God for over two thousand years. Even before Jesus was crucified for our sins and rose from the dead, people were evangelizing for Him in the Gospel.

1. Andrew, the Brother of Simon Peter, Evangelized for Jesus in the Gospel.

The two disciples…followed Jesus. Andrew first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter). John 1:37; 41-42

Andrew Accepts Jesus in His Heart.

Before Andrew began evangelizing for Jesus, he had to first spend time with Jesus. He experienced the divine life of Jesus at a personal level that changed him forever.

Jesus: “What are you looking for?“

Andrew: “Rabbi (teacher), where are you staying?“

Jesus: “Come, and you will see.“

Andrew Evangelizes Peter About Jesus.

The Gospel goes on to say that Andrew and an unnamed disciple (probably St. John) spent the whole day with Jesus at His abode. What a blessing that must have been!

Upon leaving, the first person Andrew evangelized was his brother.

Simon Peter, who eventually became St. Peter, the rock, the first pope, and a faithful leader of the Catholic Church, was evangelized by his brother, Andrew.

2. Philip, the Brother of Nathaniel, Evangelized for Jesus in the Gospel.

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” John 1:43-46

Jesus Calls Philip to be His Disciple.

Jesus takes the initiative to call Philip to be His disciple. In the scenario with Andrew, it was John the Baptist who gave testimony to Andrew and an unnamed disciple to follow Jesus, and they did. God calls each of us to Him in His own Way.

Philip Evangelizes Nathaniel About Jesus.

Philip knew that Jesus was the son of Joseph from Nazareth. He also knew in his heart that Jesus was the Son of God. Just as we learn about who Jesus is in the Gospel, Jesus revealed who He was to Philip while Philip followed Him along the Way.

I am the way, and the truth, and the life. John 14:6

Philip tells the good news to his brother, Nathaniel. Although Nathaniel initially resists Philip’s invitation to meet Jesus, Philip persists and wins him over.

Nathaniel: Can anything good come from Nazareth?

Philip: Come and see.

3. The Samaritan Woman at the Well Evangelized for Jesus in the Gospel.

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” The Samaritan woman said to him, “How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?” (For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans.) Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” John 4:7; 9-10

Jesus Calls the Samaritan Woman to Conversion.

Jesus converses with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well during midday. It is a moving passage in the Gospel, and it is the longest conversation someone has with Jesus in the Gospel. Jesus reveals that He knows everything about the Samaritan woman.

Jesus: “Go call your husband and come back.“

Samaritan Woman: “I do not have a husband.“

Jesus: “You are right in saying, ‘I do not have a husband’. For you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband…”

The Samaritan Woman Evangelizes Her Town and Neighbors About Jesus.

The Samaritan woman, who went to the well by herself to draw water during the midday heat to avoid the company of the other women there that morning, seeks to evangelize those same people in her town after she experienced a personal encounter with the merciful Jesus at the well. She even left her water jar in her zeal to evangelize.

The woman left her water jar and went into the town and said to the people, “Come see a man who told me everything I have done. Could he possibly be the Messiah?” They went out of the town and came to Him. John 4:28-30

What Does it Mean to Evangelize?

When you evangelize for Jesus you are proclaiming to others that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God. You are giving testimony to people that Jesus Christ is Lord, that He is worth living for, and that He loves us more than we can ever possibly imagine.

“If you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He himself is the Way.

If you are looking for a goal, hold fast to Christ, because He himself is the truth, where we desire to be.

If you are looking for a resting place, hold fast to Christ, because He himself is the life.” + St. Thomas Aquinas