Jesus commented on the need for binding evil in Matthew 12:25-29 NKJV:
25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. 30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
Jesus uses the analogy of a thief attempting to plunder a house. The strongman in the house must be bound first before the house can be plundered. Likewise when facing an evil stronghold in life, we must first use our inherited authority as children of God to bind the evil forces involved – especially the one at the center of the stronghold. Discerning the identity of the strongman involved is very helpful, because then that spirit can be addressed by name, which is an helpful advantage. This is something that God may reveal to you through prayer and/or word of knowledge. After that, we can loose, or call forth God’s plans for restoration. This binding and loosing activity is, of course, spiritual and something miraculous occurs when we do this through prayer. Jesus said:
“I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” Matthew 18:18-20 NIV
(see Matthew 16:19 for an additional reference).
The Amplified Bible clarifies the meaning of binding for us. It states that binding is to “forbid and declare to be improper and unlawful.” When we bind something, we declare it unlawful (or evil) based on God’s word. Because we stand as co-heirs in Jesus Christ, we have his authority to execute this judgment on the forces of evil (Psalm 149:5-9). Our faith in God’s word releases the power from heaven that binds (or ties up) the evil we are facing. Similarly, when we loose something on earth, we “permit and declare [it] proper and lawful on earth” based on the scriptures. Everything that we loose or bind must be in accordance with God’s word.
Example applications of binding and loosing prayers
Binding the enemy’s plans; loosing God’s plans
This is based on the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:10. First we bind the plans of evil in the situation we are facing in the name of Jesus Christ. Then, we call forth God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
“Father in heaven, I stand in faith on the authority I have as a believer in Jesus Christ, and a co-heir to his kingdom. In the name of Jesus Christ, I bind every evil spirit and every evil plan made in this situation. I cancel the enemy’s plans and call forth God’s plans for this situation. God’s word says that God has plans for good and not evil (Jeremiah 29:11) for us and I claim those plans now. Father, I ask that your will be done in this situation, as it is done in heaven. I give thanks and praise to you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”
“Father God, I thank you for sending your Son Jesus to die for me, and resurrecting him to sit at your right hand in Heaven right now. I thank you for bestowing upon Him all power and authority over evil. In the name of Jesus Christ, I speak to any evil spirits, especially spirits of *___________ (fill in the blank), I bind you from attacking me now and throughout this day. Leave me now and go straight to Jesus Christ who will deal with you. I am covered and protected by the blood of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
*Note that evil spirits often have specific functions and names. Examples of evil spirits include lust, adultery, pride, despair, strife, discouragement, condemnation, shame, hate, envy, covetousness, idolatry, homosexuality, suicide, obsession, control and witchcraft. These are just a few of the many possible spirits.
Binding prayer in preparation for Bible Study:
“Lord God, I reaffirm my faith in Jesus Christ, Your Son, who died for me on the cross and was resurrected that I may now have life in Him. Thank you, Father, that I have the authority of Jesus Christ over every evil power. In the name of Jesus Christ, by the power of His cross and blood, I bind the spirits, powers and forces of the earth, the underground, the air, the water, the fire, the netherworld and the satanic forces of nature. I bind all interplay, interaction and communication of evil spirits as they would try to affect me in any way during this time of Bible study. I claim the protection of the shed blood of Jesus Christ over myself, including my eyes, ears, hands and mind as I read the Bible today. Thank you for your protection, Lord. Please prepare my heart and help me to receive your Word with understanding and without distraction from the enemy. Please send your holy angels to fill my home and minister to me especially as I read Your Word. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
The “Industrial Strength” Binding Prayer:
We pray this daily over ourselves and our families, and highly recommend it, especially if you are involved in ministry. This prayer is used at Christian Healing Ministries. You will notice that we bind spirits associated with the elements, and we bind them from drawing power from other spirits. Also, notice that this prayer addresses curses and other satanic assignments sent against us. Our authority in Christ gives us power over all of these things (Psalm 91:13, Luke 10:19).
“In the name of Jesus Christ, by the power of His cross and blood, we bind the spirits, powers and forces of the earth, the underground, the air, the water, the fire, the netherworld and the satanic forces of nature.
We rebuke any curses, hexes, or spells sent against us and send them directly to Jesus for Him to deal with as He will. Lord, we ask You to bless our enemies by sending Your Holy Spirit to lead them to repentance.
We bind all interplay, interaction and communication of evil spirits. We claim protection of the shed blood of Jesus Christ over us. Thank you for your protection, Lord. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. “*
* Prayers borrowed from Christian Healing Ministries