How to Prepare for a Deliverance Session

You do not have to be "ready" to come to a deliverance session — Jesus meets people in every condition. But there are a few simple practices that, when possible, soften the ground and let the Holy Spirit lead more freely. Here is what we recommend in the days leading up to your session.

1. Confess and repent

Confession is the foundation for deliverance. Sin is the most common doorway, and bringing it into the light closes that doorway directly. In the week before your session, take real time to confess to God everything He brings to mind, and turn from it.

Where it helps, confess out loud to a trusted Christian as well — a pastor, an elder, a mature friend. Scripture ties confession to one another directly to healing (James 5:16), and things spoken aloud lose much of their grip.

If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.

— 1 John 1:9

2. Fast that morning

If you are physically able, fast from breakfast on the day of your session. If a full fast is not appropriate for you (medical reasons, pregnancy, history of disordered eating), a partial fast — skipping one meal, abstaining from a comfort food — also honors the practice without harming your body.

Fasting is not magical leverage. It is humility — a physical confession that we depend on God for what we need. Jesus pointed to fasting as part of the pattern for breakthrough (Matthew 17:21 in some translations / Mark 9:29).

3. Journal your story

In the days before, write down:

• The specific patterns or experiences you want prayed for
• Anything in your family history (occult, addiction, generational patterns) that comes to mind
• Specific past wounds or relationships that still feel "active"
• Any unforgiveness you are carrying — toward whom, for what
• Any agreements with lies you have noticed ("I am unloved," "I am too much," "I will never be free")

You do not need to have a perfect inventory. Write what comes. The Holy Spirit will surface what needs to be surfaced during the session.

4. Forgive — or at least begin to forgive

Unforgiveness is one of the most common open doors. You do not have to feel like forgiving; forgiveness is an act of the will, not an emotion. In the days before, name the people you are still holding something against, and pray (out loud, if you can): "Lord, I choose to forgive [name] for [the thing]. I release them to you and I refuse to carry this any longer."

You may need to pray that prayer many times. That is normal. Forgiveness is a process.

When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.

— Mark 11:25

5. Ask the Holy Spirit to surface what needs to come to light

Each night in the week before, pray simply: "Holy Spirit, please show me what needs to come to light before this session. I am willing." Then notice what comes — in dreams, in memories, in conversations, in scripture you stumble onto.

6. The day-of

• Set up a private, quiet space at least 30 minutes before the session start
• Have water, tissues, a journal, and a blanket nearby
• Silence notifications on your phone and any other devices in the room
• Keep your Bible and a cross or other physical reminder of your faith within reach
• Take a few deep breaths and ask the Holy Spirit to be in charge of the session

What to do afterward

After the session — for the rest of the day — keep it gentle. Stay quiet. Drink water. Eat something nourishing. Journal what you sensed. Do not schedule anything heavy. Pray the prayer your minister gives you for the next 30 days. Stay connected to community — do not isolate. If something difficult resurfaces in the next 24-72 hours (this happens sometimes), reach back out to us.