Know it, name it, rebuke it.
“And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”
Mark 9:29 KJV
In our world today, the main solution given to diverse afflictions of the body tends to be one general medication. However in spiritual warfare, there is a specific prescription for different matters. Many pray generic prayers not understanding the source and the direct action needed for a specific situation. As a result we pray amiss and yield no results.
Beloved for every problem encountered in the Bible there was a strategy recommended. The problem many encounter is not the issue of prayer itself, but rather the identification of the problem, the root cause, the patterns and the legalities associated. In Mark 9:25 Jesus demonstrates a clear example;
“When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.”
Mark 9:25 KJV
In this context there is a clear mention of the spirit that had afflicted the victim. The effect of that spirit were seen in verse 18 and 24, this shows that behind every physical manifestation of affliction is an underlying spiritual connection. Upon the attempt of the disciples to cast out that spirit, they failed woefully. Not because they lacked authority, but they lacked the knowledge to identify that predicament. What you cannot identify you cannot legislate!
Beloved it takes a level of consecration to discern spirits. The recommendation given by Jesus in verse 29, this kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting, was not by mere mention, but by accuracy in the spirit which stems from an intense level of consecration. Jesus’ senses were sharpened and ready to approach every circumstance with divine judgment. In order to pray with accuracy and effectiveness, walk in the spirit . Understand priesthood and know the requirements thereof. To be able to assess every matter as Jesus did, we must develop a level of maturity that makes discernment possible (Hebrews 5:14).
Authority can be rightly exercised at the instance of maturity, discernment and consecration. As you mount up your prayer altar tonight, ask of the Lord to reveal the underlying cause of every prevailing situation and that He will grant you the strategy for your escape and deliverance.