I Prayed have prayed
Father, we reclaim October. Let Your judgment rest upon the evils of Halloween. Take back the harvest and the harvest months.
Reading Time: 6 minutes

I used to love autumn. Fresh, cooling winds, and lovely, swirling colors. A school year still new with promise, and the delights of hot cocoa, mulled cider, and crisp apples.

Have you taken your place on the wall?  

 

But once I became a believer and began to develop a gift for discerning of spirits, October became oppressive. One Oct. 31 several years ago, I walked home from my office work in midtown Manhattan. Dusk had fully fallen, and lights were popping up along the townhouse-lined streets. I felt uneasy and my spirit was heavy, whirling with a sense of dark spirits at work. As I rushed home, I felt beset by the presence of the Enemy in increasing measure. In a moment of foreboding, I looked down at my shirt and saw a little red dot. Someone from a nearby apartment was pointing a laser at me! I was literally a target!

I hurried home and locked myself into my apartment, praying and trembling with fear. In the years since, I’ve been on hyper-alert during the month of October — still beautiful, but still filled with the spirit of death.

Now, years later, Halloween decorations begin to show up in September, and every year there are more and bigger displays. This year the new trend is giant skeletons, taller than a one-story house.

I’m sick of this hijacking — aren’t you? Isn’t it time to reclaim this lovely harvest season for the Lord’s purpose? Isn’t it time to take control and command the Enemy to vacate our streets, our homes, our communities?

So how do we do that? Well, the biblical grant of authority is clear:

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18–20 ESV).

What an interesting word: authority. Simply put, it means the right to exercise power. Power, of course, is also an interesting word; it means the ability to take effective action. So, I’m proposing a reclaiming of October from the forces of evil, a taking up of the authority of heaven, and an exercise of the Lord’s power. A modest proposal.

If you’re up for it, let’s get serious: Instead of a gory costume, get dressed up in the full armor of God.

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication (Ephesians 6:14–18a ESV).

Going into this battle also requires emotional and spiritual preparation. We need to get honest about our feelings. If you are like me, you’ve been afraid (as I was in the account above), angry (as I am too often these days), and generally fed up (ditto). Let’s lay our emotional selves before the Lord for Holy Spirit to reveal our feelings to us. Feelings, like all things, have been damaged by the fall into sin and can be redeemed by the Lord. We need to confess any unhelpful, ungodly feelings so the blood of Christ can heal them. Spiritually, too, we need to confess any known or unknown sin so that the Lord can close any doors to evil or mischief. Confession — good for the soul, and for the battlefield, too!

Now, let’s consider our authority. All godly spiritual authority is derived from Jesus. Though Adam and Eve abdicated their authority to the Enemy when they sinned, Jesus won the earth back by means of the cross. But it is up to us to take the ground. We take that ground by claiming it through the blood of Jesus. We apply the blood by forgiving those who have brought evil upon the land (even from long ago) and who are bringing evil today. We release the debt against them and ask the Lord to cover by the blood of Jesus the ground that these people have given over to evil. In effect, we are stripping away the permission given to Satan to own and operate on that land. We take it back by the blood!

Many intercessors have gifts like the discerning of spirits that I describe above. The Lord shows us which demons are lurking, and where, so we can target them by name or function. This kind of gifting is a sharing of Holy Spirit Himself to enable us to exercise His authority over evil. The dislodging of those spirits is by the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name we bind, gag, cripple, and blind evil spirits, rendering them unable to operate and casting them into the abyss or wherever the Lord wants to send them — and any that show up to replace them. Ask Holy Spirit to fill all the spaces vacated (see Luke 11:24–26).

We all, regardless of spiritual gifts, can enjoy the authority born from our intimacy with Jesus. We can choose to sit with Him in worship, praise, prayer, and adoration. We receive His love, the love that spilled His blood for our lives, the love that defeated evil permanently. We can move in that love and dislodge evil as directed by Holy Spirit.

I experienced the power of that love in action. In 1994, I was a baby Christian just learning how to wage war, and I was drawn into prayer over the civil war in Rwanda. That short-lived conflict was a bloody, intense, and horrifying war between two ethnic tribes inflamed with lust for power and vengeance. As I was falling asleep one night, I felt a strong compulsion to command Satan out of Rwanda in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. This prayer had not been in my thoughts or my words before this moment. I recall that as I completed this prayer, I felt two certainties: that Satan was stripped of his power in Rwanda; and that he was angry about it. As that second certainty formed, my fear arose, and extreme oppression came upon me. But I cried out the name of Jesus, and He lifted the oppression. Even more encouraging, not long afterward, the war began to end in Rwanda.

Jesus wins, you see. And it is time for Him to win back October, His harvest fields, and His harvest time.

We cover ourselves with the full armor of God: the belt of truth; let truth be our guide; the breastplate of righteousness; we want right relationships with You and the creation. Convict us of any sin and of any unrighteousness in our thoughts, words, or actions. Forgive and change us. Grant us nimbleness that flows from the gospel of peace as we strap on those sandals. We take up the shield of faith; the sword of Your Word; the helmet of salvation and the hope of the gospel firmly upon our heads. We forgive those who are celebrating evil and death. Forgive them, release the debt against them; cover the ground with the blood of Jesus. We take this ground back and strip away all permissions given to the Enemy. All the earth is the Lord’s! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ — bind, gag, cripple, blind, and render unable to act or to replicate any spirit whose name or function is to promote death, evil, horror, hate, terror, witchcraft, Jezebel, pharmakeia, Baal, and Halloween, and every spirit assigned to hijack the harvest, to corrupt children, or to “own” the autumn. Cast all such into the Abyss or wherever You want, O Lord of all. Send Holy Spirit to fill all vacated spots with Your life and love. We worship You, Lord of life, light of the world, love of the ages. And we decree: October belongs to the Lord! The rod of the wicked will NOT rest upon the land of the righteous, and witchcraft will NOT thrive over a people born free! Lord Jesus, take back October! Take back Your harvest days!

Does this encourage you? Share in the comments below!

New York City–based Joyce Swingle is an intercessor and a contributing writer for IFA. With her husband, Rich, also a contributing writer for IFA, Joyce shares the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world through theater, speaking, writing, and film. Prior to going into full-time ministry, Joyce worked for about 20 major magazines and now works in pastoral ministry and Christian counseling. Read more about Joyce’s work at www.Richdrama.com. (Photo credit: NASA on Unsplash).

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BG
November 1, 2023

I have noticed that in urban America Satan reigns on Halloween. You say you miss the harvest celebrations? Move to rural America where I live… where actual harvests happen annually. That’s where it happens every year and Halloween is largely shunned as nasty and evil. You don’t have to live in the city to pray for it.

Mary Beth Phillips
November 1, 2023

Yes I agree. I declare and decree Jesus is LORD over the harvest, over October. Jesus is the author and protector of life, of faith, of our redemption.
We take back the celebration, decorations, the tricks and the treats,. We denounce and decree the emphasis on death, blood, gore, witchcraft, blood sacrifice, torture, human and animal sacrifice. I pray discernment of the demonic influence.
Jesus I lift You high and worship You. I decree a cleansing of October in Jesus Name. Amen

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Linda
October 31, 2023

I need for people to pray for my children to tease their children. That Halloween is not from God. I did not become a Christian until I was an adult but I never really realized that Halloween was not from God. I tell my children now for the past 3 years. That Halloween is not from God, and they still celebrate it.

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Linda
October 31, 2023

Amen

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Melody
October 31, 2023

For years now we have not celebrated Halloween which has become more sinister and children don’t belong to this holiday. Please protect, defend these children Father and cover the land with your precious blood and cast out the enemy from our midst. Thank you Father for hearing our prayers for deliverance from this worship. In Jesus Name Amen.

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Grant Windholz
October 31, 2023

Lord God, this country seems to live and breathe everything with Halloween and harvest time to be wicked, evil and sinister for years now. It feels like it gets worse and worse. Please bring your truth and hope for all of us 🙏 through the Holy Spirit!

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Diane
October 31, 2023

I didn’t read it that way. I read it that we dress spiritually in the armor of God.

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Melissa Thomsen
October 31, 2023

Thank-you for sharing!! We *do* need to reclaim this day as one of light rather than darkness. One day, October 31st is no longer going to be remembered as Halloween. But instead, it will be seen as a day of holy light!! That’s my goal. If you think of it, could you pray for me? This is my third year of running a “Send the Light” campaign against the darkness with October 31st. I also created a short film that I hope will inspire people to send the light today. Please pray that God will multiply the movement and grow it. Darkness doesn’t own October 31st.

Here’s a link to the film if you’d like to see it! 🙂 https://vimeo.com/879578116

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    Rich Swingle
    October 31, 2023

    Thanks for sharing this, Melissa! The film is wonderful!!!

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Marilyn Y
October 31, 2023

In my opinion, dressing up with the Full Armor of God” on Halloween only shows non-Christians or baby Christians a weak showing of our faith. Why even participate in such an event by giving out a tract instead of candy. It’s double- minded and confuses the Message.

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Sheila Price
October 31, 2023

Yes and Amen!

Capital letters in the titles applied to satan and his demons, like “enemy” or anything else, to me gives him/them credit or authority they are not entitled to. I personally refuse to give them that.
Just a thought to share.

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Carolyn
October 31, 2023

As I prayed this morning over this evil Day, the Lord reminded me :
“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
This is a horrible day that is celebrated, BUT, this Day was made my my Lord!!! And HE SUPERCEDES!!! Victory in Christ !!

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Dennis
October 31, 2023

FATHER, we request protection for all the children of the world during this time of Death… REMEMBERANCE of the DAY of the Deluge, that washed all mankind away except for the Righteous Eight, saved by The Ark of YeHoVaH.
I prefer to celebrate the 95 Theses by Martin Luther in 1517. The Truth Proclaimed in The Bible, AND THANKSGIVING, for the Blessings of GOD, IN YESHUA’S HOLY NAME AMEN AMEN

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    Patty DeGroot
    November 1, 2023

    Absolutely, this is how we celebrated October 31 when I was growing up! It was called “Reformation Day”! Come on, people of God! We need to be reminded of Church history on this day! Martin Luther was the father of the protestant Reformation. He was a stellar human being! At a Lutheran Church which I attend sometimes they have a Hymnfest on the Sunday before October 31! The majestic hymns of the faith played on a beautiful pipe organ by an expert organist are joyous! That is followed by an Octoberfest meal in the fellowship hall. They even add a “beer garden” to make it a very festive occasion! A polka band comes on the stage after the meal! Members happily dance or just listen to the music & enjoy each others’ company for a while. That is my favorite way to end the month of October!

dj
October 31, 2023

This speaks my heart!!! Let God arise and His enemies be scattered!! We take back America with the blood of Jesus!!

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Millie
October 31, 2023

Father, let the Church rise up to celebrate Reformation Day instead of Halloween. Let this day be reclaimed with light instead of darkness.

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skye alison
October 31, 2023

A mentoree turns Halloween into “national evangelism day” saying,
“I had the opportunity to share an illusion and give out 75 tracts and I never had to leave my house. A mentor of mine calls beggars night national evangelism day, it was a blast.”

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Mari Williams
October 31, 2023

A very long time ago when I first came to America, I tried to make people aware of the evils of Halloween. I have written to churches and pastors and some schools over the years as they continued to hold Halloween parties even in their church buildings claiming it was “just fun!”. However, one pastor did listen to me and changed the Halloween party into a Harvest Party where the children came dressed in costumes that represented the Harvest, flowers, veggies, little animals, etc. The youth in the church provided games and entertainment and candy was generously donated by church members. The entrance fee for a child from the church or from the neighborhood was one can of food for the food pantry. It was a great success with prizes for the best costumes. GOD was glorified and the children came to no harm. I have just recently written for the third time to a local priest who offers Trick or Treat right there at the church! We wonder why the children of this country are in such darkness . . . Look no further than Halloween the celebration of the ancient Druids and witchcraft where it all begins . . . .

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Mary Miner
October 31, 2023

Today is Freedom day. Over 500 years ago Martin Luther nailed his thesis to the church door. It granted us freedom to go directly to our Father and Lord. It said by faith we are saved not works.

The enemy means this day to be a day of bondage and chains. Spells and curses. However, God intends this day to be a day of freedom. We are free to come before His throne of grace and talk to Him directly. No need to go through anyone else as Jesus is our intercessor.

Shout freedom to the captives. We will rejoice and be glad in this day.

FREEDOM!!!!!!

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Carol Van Citters
October 31, 2023

Love this prayer to take back October, such a seasonally transitional and therefore beautiful time of year that has been overshadowed by darkness and demonic uplifting. God, take it back. Open people’s eyes. Bring visions of you into their lives and dreams and help us to be places (refuges) people can come to learn more about you.
Amen

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Abriana
October 31, 2023

Prayers for the salvation of all my relatives, friends, enemies, acquaintances, etc. who are, and who might possibly be, involved in or fascinated by the occult

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Ron Glenn Deere
October 31, 2023

It is really sad that originally, Halloween was a prayerful hedge before Nov 1, All Saints Day. Prayer against Satan and his hordes got twisted into Halloween now being the high, “holy” day of the wicked! And Satan loves it. It is HIGH time for all of us in Christ to come against him. Think of it – Martin Luther chose Oct 31 as his day to post his 95 theses on the door of the church in Whittenburg (today is the 506th anniversary of his doing this). This brought about a return to the Lord and His Word, hallelujah!

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Gail Bawks
October 31, 2023

Very encouraging! Thank you for sharing this!!

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Jackie
October 31, 2023

I never liked Halloween. When I had children I made the decision not to let them go trick or treating. I took them to family but the one they liked best was going to their great grandparents and Aunts house and Pa would read the Bible o them. Ma would give them homemade treats and they loved those also.
I was saved at age 6 and from that time on I could not go out trick or treating. I would be like why do I want to do that.

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Tina
October 31, 2023

Glory to God! This is exactly how I have seen October for years. Thank you!When we come together in agreement, the enemy is broken.

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Cindy
October 31, 2023

Father I command in the name of Christ Jesus, all evil that is present in the world be gone. Replace it with the Love of our savior. Dress us with all the Truths we need to fight this spiritual battle. In Christ name I pray.

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Nina
October 31, 2023

Thank you for posting this. I have been disturbed by the increase in the Halloween evil decorations. I pray the name of Jesus out loud as I drive by homes with this evil displayed. This day belongs to the Lord! He rules and reigns. Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior!!!

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Allena Jordan
October 31, 2023

I declare and decree by the power of Holy Spirit within that this day, Oct. 31, Reformation Day, belongs to the Lord. This day is a day of harvest, of life, of goodness, of love, of hope. All glory to You, Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith. Amen.

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Linda Major
October 31, 2023

I could not agree with you more. I don’t know if you have noticed but every year seems to be getting more gory. Also I agree skeletons are big (in many way) this year. You talked about our authority. Well, a few years ago I was praying for an unsaved family member and I heard as clear as a bell “TANSFER OWNERSHIP” It was so powerful that I stood and just started praying. I would like to do that know. In the mighty name of Yeshua I come against every and all of Satan’s hold and authority over this month and day. In he name of Jesus I/we TRANSFER OWNERSHIP of this month and day. Satan you will NO longer have ownership this this month or day. I/we TRANSFER OWENERSHIP from Satan’s lair to GOD”S KINGDOM! from death to LIFE from darkness to LIGHT. Amen.
We don’t really know when Yeshua was born and sometimes I wonder if it was Oct. 31, and that is why the enemy is stealing it.

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    Mari Williams
    October 31, 2023

    When we put our faith in GOD HE will restore everything the devil has stolen.
    Let us search our hearts and our homes to see if we have anything even remotely “evil” in our homes. That includes “dream catchers” –our trust needs to be in GOD to keep us safe and deliver us from bad dreams. Just go through your home and let GOD show you what shouldn’t be in it and be BLESSED! Check your jewelry box, too. Those signs of the zodiac . . . .they need to go.

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Ted Bjorem
October 31, 2023

Have you heard of Light Parties?

Lots of Churches put them onl

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Dona Schmidt
October 31, 2023

I never had these emotional feelings of fear on Oct. 31, I was grateful to the Lord for turning what the enemy meant for evil, we could stand against it by the power of the blood of Jesus! I am thankful for Reformation Day and pray that we will all be reformed/ transformed defeating the enemies plot of destruction and destroying when Christ has set us free. Thankful for the truth that was brought out about our spiritual armor! Bless the Lord!

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Victoria
October 31, 2023

We, Your Church love You. We bow in repentance for sliding away from obedience to Your Word. Forgive us, Lord, please. Look down on us with mercy. We stand with Israel. Amen

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Skye Alison
October 14, 2021

Santos Garcia Jr, thank you for the historical insights you gave us in your article below. Praise the blessed name of the Lord for each of these posts and the mighty name of our God.

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Kim
October 14, 2021

Yes, amen I trust in the peace of Jesus Christ. His enemies have no authority.

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TJL
October 13, 2021

I prayerfully ask believers in Jesus to not participate in Halloween, and not allow the world’s rituals of dressing in costumes or trick or treating, especially on the holy grounds of your church or home. The roots of this ritual are blatantly Satanic. Consider having a night of prayer and fasting. This is a high satanic holy day, and they are interceding in the spiritual realm for power over our communities. Fight back in prayer to thwart any plans of the enemy, especially on this night. The enemy takes it seriously. So should we. We are at war. Let’s not give the enemy any ground.

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    Anonymous
    October 31, 2023

    I get sick to my stomach when churches hold “Trunk or Treats” (= Halloween wrapped in the Bible). Our own church participates – one foot in the heavenly kingdom and the other in the satanic… why?… membership I suspect- let’s not ruffle any feathers…
    I have never heard one pastor, preacher, minister, priest, elder or any other authority figure tell the truth about this holiday of death.

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John Yocum
October 12, 2021

October 31 is a very important holiday which long pre-dates the one celebrated now. For centuries, Reformation Day was widely celebrated because on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther tacked his 95 debating points to the cathedral door (the public bulletin board) at Wittenberg. This started the protestant reformation and resulted in church as we know it.

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Chelsea
October 12, 2021

Praying is good – I would love to see the Church treating Halloween like an evangelism holiday! We have the gift of life when the world around us is celebrating fear and death.
Livingwaters.com has halloween tracts that you can pass out at Trunk or Treats and Halloween. This will be my third year making and giving out goodie bags with little toys, candies and the gospel message. For the Kingdom!

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Rose
October 12, 2021

Almighty God, Lord of the Harvest (“Then He said to His disciples,’The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest” Matthew 9:38 NASB), please redeem this fall season in America and make it a time of celebration as we, in obedience, go into the highways and byways and harvest souls for the glory of Your mighty Name–King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Make this season a time of joy! We claim your Word in this harvest season: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. Thou shalt multiply the nation, Thou shalt increase their gladness; They will be glad in Thy presence as with the gladness of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For Thou shalt break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian” (Isaiah 9:2-4 NASB). “Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:5-6 NASB).

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Terri Renfro
October 12, 2021

Lord we come into agreement with this powerful prayer! We take back the territory and ideals the enemy has stolen! We declare that this season is not Satan’s celebration but Harvest season for the Kingdom of God! Rain down your Holy Spirit and activate the body of Christ to bring souls to Him!!

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Rebecca Thornton
October 12, 2021

Years ago, Abba Father delivered me from the spirit of depression that had kept me in bondage. After that, He taught me about the demonic realm and how we, His sons and daughters, have authority over that realm in Jesus name and by the blood of the lamb. I so appreciate what Joyce wrote and I declare that the Lord God is the Lord of the harvest and it does not belong to the kingdom of darkness. Satan was defeated at the cross!!! Hallelujah!!!

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Santos Garcia, Jr.
October 12, 2021

It brings clarity to our minds and hearts to comprehend that there are Christian Origins to Halloween, another holiday that has been co-opted by the fallen ones. Of course we know that all manner of evil is perpetrated on that dark night, and that our prayers and vigilance are critical throughout the holiday season… and at this time in history throughout this watershed year of transition. We are moving into the Greatest Awakening in the History of Mankind, yet too many are trembling, biting their fingernails to the nubs, and assuming that we are in the beginning of the Tribulation Period.

NO! Please understand that what is going on worldwide is a template of the End of the Age; BUT the End is NOT YET! Trump will soon return to his rightful place in the Oval Office; the corrupt Deep State/NWO Globalist Cabal will be fully exposed and dismantled; and human trafficking and drug trafficking will be exposed and dramatically curtailed. The CCP will also fall under its own weight of sin, and China and the Far East will have a dramatic coming to the LORD Jesus Christ. The rest of the planet will be shocked into the reality of the Sovereignty of YHVH GOD, and His manifest Presence will be reported on even in the mainstream media. Be comforted in our present circumstances, in Jesus’ Name… and continue to Watch & Pray- It’s going to be GLORIOUS!

https://zionsgate.wordpress.com/2014/10/27/the-christian-origins-of-halloween/

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    Melody
    October 31, 2023

    Thank you Santos Garcia, You are speaking out what we want, not what we have. This is God’s Creative Power at work. We must always speak prosperity and victory in Jesus name. This really works!!!! We have that authority in Jesus Name. Yes, God is still in control and is answering IFA’s prayers. In example, Rep. Michael Johnson was just elected as “Speaker of the House,” Praise God from whom all blessings flow! We need to continue these powerful prayers to our Mighty Lord and Savior. God’s Love and Word is powerful. Amen and Amen.

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Nancy from GA
October 12, 2021

Great word, Joyce,
Thank you for the good reminder of the authority that we have in Jesus. I said to someone the other day that I couldn’t wait for Halloween to be over. Now I realize I need to reclaim this month, this beautiful time of year, for the Lord. For it is His. Thank you for your timely word, as always.

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Eveline Franje
October 12, 2021

Thank you Father for Joyce speaking out about Halloween. I have never liked that day. I have been disturbed that so many Christians love it. May you Dear Lord, enlighten this generation of Christians regarding this day. I ask You that they will take position for you, Lord. I claim your victory over this in the members of my family.
I am also very thankful to Joyce for mentioning, Lord to fill the empty spaces after casting demons. This is so enlightening to me and makes so much sense. May we, your children serve You to the best of our abilities, in Your authority and wearing the full armor that you put in our disposition. To You, Dear Father, be authority, honor, glory and power, in the wonderful name of Jesus my Savior I pray, Amen!

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Joni Debord
October 12, 2021

Amen! Thank you.

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Karen Secrest
October 12, 2021

Two points stand pu5 for me to pray about:
The land has been defiled and we take it back.
Pharmacopia has destroyed much so I ask for the cleansing Blood to flood the homeless camps and the big city streets as well as those hidden away places of slavery to sin in every form
PRAISE… on earth as it is in heaven. AMEN

AMEN

AMEN..HALLELUJAH..
AMEN

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Linda
October 12, 2021

Thanks so much, Joyce! You have spoken my heart as well. I love autumn, and I pray that the eyes of many will be opened to how the enemy wants to steal, kill, and destroy. May we be faithful in prayer and in regaining what the enemy has tried to take away. All glory to God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

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Billie Hall
October 12, 2021

What a powerful lesson in dealing with the forces of darkness. If only every church would teach the body of Christ, that this is not only our inheritance, but our duty.
We have all the resources of heaven at our disposal to take back the land. I pray that the body of Christ would rise up now, and join as one voice in fulfilling this prayer and assignment.
Thank you for your faithfulness.

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Gloria Robles
October 12, 2021

In full agreement Joyce! Fall is my favorite season as well. One of the first things I learned as a baby Christian was the roots of Halloween. I studied on my own and found that many who practice witchcraft believe this is the time when the veil between the spiritual world and earth is thinnest, therefore there’s alot of summoning of spirits and spell casting, but I love how you talked about reclaiming and using our authority to take it back. Rather than walking in fear, we can walk in the love of God and the power of His Holy Spirit. Thank you so much. I appreciate this article and Everytime you lead prayer on IFA.

Blessings to you and Rich.

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Linda Todd
October 12, 2021

I pray in agreement. More than ten years ago the Lord called me to pray for our country to return to Him. I’ve been obedient to Him. Even though I’ve been discouraged at times by the worsening state of hatred and evil, I know Christ accepted my prayers and worked in my spirit to take away fear. When I feel discouraged Christ replaced that with hope and love. He is on the Throne! Hold fast to that. We belong to Him. All creation was created by Him, for Him. We are His joy! We must act joyfully in all we do. Pray blessings on all who are His, and a transformation in the spirit of those who don’t realize Him. Thank you Lord for your sacrifice for us, your love us, and the joy of your Holy Spirit in us.

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Robyn DiNatale
October 12, 2021

I was born in October so I’ve always thought of it as a beautiful month. Blessings to all.

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    Rosalyn McKeithan
    October 12, 2021

    I was born on October 31st and my birthday was always intricately linked with halloween throughout my childhood with my birthday parties always displaying halloween themes. When I became a believer, I instantly developed an intense dislike of this association and looked up the origins of this celebration–then I understood why. Subsequently, I let my family, friends & co-workers, who wanted to send me birthday wishes, to only send ones that were not related to halloween. My birthday now is only a celebration of my God-given life. All glory to God!!!

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T Lovell
October 12, 2021

Wow! This blog rocked me to my core! I don’t think I have ever read Luke 11:24-26 because my eyes are wide open now. The devil really hates us and seeks to destroy us. Dear God, please replace any vacant spaces in my life with YOUR love and light. The devil has no authority over us and we bind him in the name of Jesus! Cast any evil spirits into the lake of fire or wherever you see fit but do not allow the spirits to come back stronger or more evil. Bring to mind any unnecessary or evil thoughts so that I can plead the blood of Jesus over my life. Please give us the desire to take back the harvest lost to evil in the form of Halloween! Please protect our children from this evil. All praise and glory goes to our Savior and Lord -Jesus Christ!

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Vickie
October 12, 2021

The month of October is my favorite month. Temperatures cooling off, leaves changing to their gorgeous colors, and the Holidays right around the corner. Heavenly Father, I reclaim October to You. Take back the harvest and the harvest months, O Lord. I decree that the judgment of Heaven rest upon the evil associated with Halloween. In Jesus name, amen.

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Tricia Colvin
October 12, 2021

We stand in victory of who Christ is in us, we are seated in heavenly places with Him, by proclaiming the word, with thanksgiving and praise is the keys, to unlock many things on the earth, Jesus has already the won the battle, satan is already defeated foe. We stand as victorious soldiers, for a defeated foe, my prayer is that this nation, and other nations would know there authority in Christ, call evil, evil and good, good. Now is not time to play around with the things of the devil, my prayer is for discernment to be used more by the Body of Christ, because as America goes, so does the world, let God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen

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Larry Brunson
October 12, 2021

I’ve had two divine encounters in October over the past 10 years. The most powerful of my life by far was at the end of October 2012, during Hurricane Sandy. This caused me to conclude “October is a month of heavy spiritual activity”. But it’s not just demonic.

Also, I feel the Spirit spoke to me recently through Mikayla Kooper about the importance of persistence in spiritual warfare, that as long as we persevere “until”, we win.

Then this morning I heard through Rick Joyner “There’s a thin line between faith and presumption, but one characteristic of true faith is that it grows stronger with time, not weaker. Presumption, on the other hand, often sets a time for an expected result, and when it does not come within that time, it fades”.

These two recent words cause me to conclude: Don’t give up, or give in, or cast away your confidence (Heb 10:35). Period!

This article confirms both revelations.

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Lydia B. Miller
October 12, 2021

Greater is He in us than He that is in the world!

For some of us it is not a new concept, it is more about a daily commitment to set aside time to pray and be diligent in prayer!
Thanks for encouraging us to remember who is greater and that we have power over the enemy!
Those vicious cycles of the enemy using Halloween, need to be broken and destroyed in Jesus name.
Intercessors and believers need to to be aware of their authority in Christ.
Some of these teachings are already in some churches in our area so it is exciting to watch others grow in the faith!

The spirit that raised Lazarus from the dead, lie in you to quicken your mortal bodies!
Greater is He in us, than He that is in the world!

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Hannah
October 12, 2021

I’d love to see the focus in October return to harvest and fall fun gatherings, giving glory to God. Thank you for sharing, it’s nice to know others feel the same. Blessings on you Joyce Swingle!

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Debbie Nash
October 12, 2021

Yes! I stand in agreement! We declare your Glory and your rein lord Jesus!

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brian
October 12, 2021

Great article, Joyce. This is all about moving in the Power and authority that Jesus has given us to use in His name. We need to not take this privilige lightly or casually. As His ambassadors, we need to live up to our privilige level, and our responsibility level. Our spiritual discernment of spirits is so very important. In these End Times that we find ourselves living in, there are numerous demons and evil spirits for us to take authority over. Taking back October for God is one of many opportunities that He has given to us. Lord Jesus, please, use us in whatever fashion that You choose, to shine Your light, and spread your Gospel. Help us to reach a lost and weary world. In Jesus’ name.

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Marsha Bashor
October 12, 2021

That is wonderfully written! I wholeheartedly agree!
Thank you!

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Rich Swingle
October 12, 2021

Join Joyce and I as we pray over this and other articles today on Pray with Others Live.

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    Rich Swingle
    October 12, 2021

    Today at 12:15 p.m. Eastern. You can call in at (712) 775-7431, then enter 2452#, or watch on IFA’s Facebook or Rumble pages.

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anita
October 12, 2021

Thank you, Joyce, for these powerful words. I agree in prayer that we must take back October. Since losing 3 loved ones during this month, I always sense dread and disturbance when October arrives. All 3 of my loved ones are with the Lord, but these feelings had persisted over 13 years. You have helped me to recognize this in the spiritual realm now and I am standing against it in His mighty powerful Name. Open our eyes, Lord to recognize the tru battle. Thank you for this powerful word to us, esp to me.

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Allena Jordan
October 12, 2021

God reigns in heaven above. Lord, let Thy Glory fill every place in the earth. May Your glory, Your goodness, Your peace, Your love, Your mercy, Your justice and righteousness, and more of You, fill every place that was occupied by demonic spirits. In every place in every city, town, village, You will occupy these places. Oh, Lord of the harvest, we invite You to take Your rightful place in these places. We take back October, the harvest days, and say to You, come and be with us. Occupy! The blood of the lamb has already accomplished the victory. Amen.

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Judith
October 12, 2021

Amen! Thank you, Joyce.
You have blessed me with a new focus this morning!
All glory to God!

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Rosalie Skwiers
October 12, 2021

Comment} October is Polish Heritage Month abortion is not legal in Poland.

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    Judith
    October 12, 2021

    Rosalie, thank you for sharing this wonderful news! Just when I become weary Holy Spirit sends encouragement through your post!
    Blessings Sister!

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