We understand the deep pain and frustration you are experiencing, especially when the efforts you poured into honoring your father seem met with such sudden and hurtful behavior. The enemy often seeks to exploit moments of joy and turn them into confusion, anger, or despair, and it is clear that spiritual warfare is at play here. The fact that you recognize the possibility of demonic harassment—and that you are resisting the old patterns of unforgiveness—shows how far the Lord has already brought you. But let us address these matters with the truth of Scripture and the power of prayer, for our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).
First, we must acknowledge that your father’s behavior, while painful, is not ultimately about you. His struggles—whether rooted in spiritual bondage, emotional brokenness, or the consequences of a life lived apart from the truth of God’s Word—are evidence of a deeper battle. The fact that he was raised in Catholicism, which is a false religious system that distorts the gospel of grace through Jesus Christ alone, means he has likely never been taught the true path to salvation. Catholicism teaches salvation through works, sacraments, and the intercession of Mary and the saints, but Scripture is clear: *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12). Your father’s confusion and behavioral issues may very well stem from a life without the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. This is not to condemn him, but to highlight the urgency of praying for his salvation and deliverance.
You mentioned that you suspect demonic harassment has followed you since childhood. This is a serious matter, and we do not take it lightly. Demonic influence often clings to generational sin, ungodly soul ties, or areas of unrepentance—either in our own lives or in the lives of those connected to us. If your father is demonized, his behavior could be a manifestation of that oppression, and it may be affecting the entire household. However, as a believer in Christ, you have authority over these forces in Jesus’ name. *"Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way harm you"* (Luke 10:19). You do not have to passively endure this harassment. We will pray for your protection and for the breaking of any demonic assignments against you and your family.
Now, let us address the thoughts rising in your mind—particularly the temptation to isolate yourself from church. This is a classic tactic of the enemy: to use the wounds inflicted by people (even within the church) to drive you away from the very place where you can find strength, healing, and corporate spiritual warfare. Hebrews 10:25 commands us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, especially as the day of Christ’s return draws near. The church is imperfect because it is made up of imperfect people, but it is also the body of Christ, and you need the encouragement, prayer, and accountability of fellow believers. If there are specific individuals at church who are mistreating you, that is a separate matter to bring before the Lord and perhaps the leadership, but do not let the enemy steal your place in the congregation. *"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them"* (Matthew 18:20). You need Jesus, and you need His body. Do not let bitterness or weariness keep you from the place where God desires to minister to you.
As for your question about whether it is better for your mental and emotional health to stay away from your father for a time, we must weigh this carefully. Scripture calls us to honor our fathers and mothers (Exodus 20:12), but it does not call us to endure abuse or toxic behavior without wisdom. There is a difference between forgiving someone and enabling their harmful behavior. Proverbs 22:24-25 warns, *"Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man, and don’t associate with one who harbors anger, lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul."* If your father’s behavior is consistently volatile, emotionally abusive, or spiritually damaging, it may be wise to create healthy boundaries for your own protection. This does not mean you stop loving him or praying for him, but it does mean you recognize that you cannot "fix" him—only God can. You can love him from a distance while continuing to intercede for his soul.
That said, we must also address the anger and hurt you feel. It is natural to feel wounded when your efforts are met with ingratitude or hostility, but we are called to a supernatural response. *"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'"*(Romans 12:19). The fact that you are resisting the old pattern of shutting down is evidence of God’s work in you. Keep surrendering these feelings to the Lord. Ask Him to replace your hurt with His love and your anger with His peace. Remember, forgiveness is not about excusing the behavior; it is about releasing the debt to God, who alone can judge righteously.
Lastly, we notice that your request did not invoke the name of Jesus. This is not a small matter. There is no other name by which we can approach the Father, and there is no other name with the power to break demonic strongholds. *"In none other is there salvation, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12). Every prayer, every plea for help, every declaration of warfare must be made in the name of Jesus. If you have not already, we urge you to ensure that your faith is firmly placed in Christ alone for your salvation. Have you repented of your sins and trusted in Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If so, then you have the authority to command the enemy to flee in Jesus’ name. If not, we implore you to surrender your life to Him today, for without Christ, you are fighting these battles in your own strength—and that is a battle you cannot win.
Now, let us pray together for you, your father, and this situation:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We thank You that You are a God who sees, who knows, and who cares deeply about the pain and confusion that Your child is experiencing. Lord, we ask for Your supernatural peace to flood their heart, a peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding their mind and emotions in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Father, we rebuke every spirit of anger, bitterness, and resentment that seeks to take root in their heart. By the power of the Holy Spirit, uproot these things and replace them with Your love, patience, and forgiveness.
Lord, we lift up this father who is bound by spiritual confusion, emotional turmoil, and demonic influence. Father, if he has never truly surrendered his life to You, we ask that You would draw him to Yourself in an undeniable way. Break the strongholds of Catholicism and every false teaching that has kept him from the truth. Open his eyes to see that salvation is found in Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone. Lord, if there are demonic forces oppressing him, we command them to flee in the name of Jesus. We break every generational curse, every ungodly soul tie, and every assignment of the enemy against this family. Father, deliver him from the powers of darkness and bring him into the light of Your Son.
We also pray for this beloved child of Yours who has endured so much. Lord, strengthen them in their inner being by Your Spirit. Fill them with Your joy, Your hope, and Your resilience. Protect them from the enemy’s lies that would tell them to isolate or give in to despair. Surround them with godly counsel and support, especially within the church. Give them wisdom to know how to set healthy boundaries with their father, boundaries that honor You and protect their own heart.
Father, we declare that no weapon formed against this family shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). We ask for Your healing in every broken relationship, Your restoration in every area of wounding, and Your victory over every demonic scheme. Lord, let Your will be done in this situation. Give this child the grace to forgive, the strength to endure, and the faith to trust You even when they cannot see the way forward.
We ask all these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen.
Stand firm in the Lord, beloved. You are not fighting this battle alone. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). If you feel overwhelmed, cry out to Him—He is your refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). And remember, the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4). You are more than a conqueror through Christ who loves you (Romans 8:37). Keep pressing in, keep praying, and keep trusting. The Lord is faithful, and He will see you through.