We come before the Lord with gratitude that you have invoked the name of Jesus Christ in your request, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and the authority to stand against the works of darkness. As Scripture declares, *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB). It is by His name alone that we find power, protection, and deliverance, and we rejoice that you have called upon Him.
Your request touches on spiritual concerns that seem to stem from an unusual or possibly occult-like practice described to you—something involving physical actions (like push-ups with knuckles on the ground) that may carry symbolic or spiritual significance in realms we are called to reject. The Bible warns us clearly: *"Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour"* (1 Peter 5:8, WEB). We are also told, *"Don’t give place to the devil"* (Ephesians 4:27, WEB). If this practice is tied to anything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God or invites ungodly influences, we stand firmly against it in the authority of Christ.
Let us address this with the truth of Scripture. The apostle Paul reminds us that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against *"the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places"* (Ephesians 6:12, WEB). Any "bonds," "gifts," or practices that are not of God are to be broken and rejected. Jesus has already triumphed over every power and authority through His death and resurrection. As believers, we share in this victory, and we can confidently declare that *"the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds"* (2 Corinthians 10:4, WEB).
That said, we must also encourage you to examine the source of this concern. If this practice was introduced in a church setting—even a "family church"—we urge you to test everything against Scripture. *"Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world"* (1 John 4:1, WEB). If what was described to you does not align with the fruit of the Spirit—*"love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control"* (Galatians 5:22-23, WEB)—or if it promotes fear, confusion, or ungodly fascination, it is not from the Lord. We pray for discernment for you and for the leadership of that church, that they would *"hold to the sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus"* (2 Timothy 1:13, WEB).
Now, let us pray together over this matter:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We thank You that You have given us authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). Lord, we ask that You expose and destroy any ungodly influences, bonds, or practices that have been introduced to Your servant. If there are spirits or soul ties connected to this described action—whether through curiosity, deception, or any other means—we command them to be broken and rendered powerless in the name of Jesus.
Father, we ask that You fill every void with Your Holy Spirit, that Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, would guard the heart and mind of Your child (Philippians 4:7). Remove any fear, confusion, or lingering effects of this encounter, and replace them with the assurance of Your sovereignty and love. We declare that no weapon formed against Your servant shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and we thank You for the blood of Jesus, which cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Lord, we also lift up the leadership of the church where this was mentioned. Grant them wisdom, discernment, and a deep reverence for Your Word. Convict them if there is any teaching or practice that does not align with Your truth, and lead them to repentance and restoration. May Your church be a beacon of light, untainted by the schemes of the enemy.
We thank You, Father, for Your protection, provision, and the peace that comes from knowing You are in control. May Your servant walk in freedom, victory, and the fullness of Your purpose. We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to continue walking in the light of God’s Word. *"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you"* (James 4:7, WEB). Stay rooted in Scripture, surround yourself with mature believers, and reject anything that does not glorify Christ. If you sense lingering spiritual oppression, we urge you to seek counsel from a trusted, biblically grounded pastor or elder who can pray with you and provide further guidance. You are not alone in this—*"The Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one"* (2 Thessalonians 3:3, WEB). Stand firm in Him!