I was recently confronted with this question: "Can you pray the "gay" away? And I had a two part answer: 1) Yes, you can pray against the "homosexual spirit & spirit of lust" (a cousin of the homosexual spirit if you will) and these spirits, in Jesus' name must leave and return to the pit of hell. Amen! Most Christian(s) and Christian Leaders (prayer warriors included) would agree with this truth. However, 2) the question/challenge remains -- does casting out these demonic spirits include the "characteristics/personality of the person being prayed for? Again, I have to take the liberty to break this down in several parts. Please be patient and I promise I will make some good points here.
The Bible refers to the "characteristics of the homosexual" - founded in Romans 1:26-31
For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful
Now I believe when the spirit of homosexuality/lust is cast out that these characteristics go as well. (This is not to say the Holy Spirit doesn't continue to work on us after the prayers have been completed-- Remember that God is faithful to COMPLETE the work He has begun in us unto the coming of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6) HOWEVER - (a BIG "However") -- The prayer doesn't cast out the person's PERSONALITY.
Let me explain a revelation the Holy Spirit gave me one day. I had been delivered from the Spirit of Homosexuality and Lust and I was walking faithfully in the things of God: praying regularly, reading the Word of God, fellow-shipping with other authentic Christians, and even had a godly mentor on my journey in Christian development (if you will). So I was on the right track, but something was just plain bugging me. Christians were telling me that I should no longer have any effeminate traits and that my "Personality" should be changing-- I should become more "masculine", change the way I dressed and stop enjoying fashion, my passion for art galleries, the performing arts, cooking, gardening, the opera, the symphony, the ballet, being a wine connoisseur, and frequenting fine dining establishments. What? This all seemed Insane and for a long time I felt that I wasn't completly delivered from the homosexual spirit because I still had the same personality and I still enjoyed all of these aforementioned interests. Then one day, while in The Secret Place in prayer, the Holy Spirit spoke gently to my spirit and told me "I have created you with the personality that you have for a purpose. That purpose is so that a special people may be able to relate to you and you to them-- the people I have called you to reach in your ministry". This divine revelation set me free from the devil's lie that made me feel that I was not completely set free from homosexuality. I know many former gays and lesbians who have had "well intention" Christians who have tried to advise them to change the way they dress, talk, walk, and act as a sign of a true conversion into Christianity. This error in some "church advisement committee" out there in the Christendom Twilight Zone MUST stop. I don't mean any disrespect for the authentic churches who are putting forth a great effort in welcoming the former gays and lesbians into their congregation. But, in truth, there is a great void of proper education and a lack of knowledge in the Church Leadership (Pastors, Elders, Deacons,and the congregational member) on how to minister to the struggling man or woman in the area of sexuality (homosexuality, bisexuality, pornography, adultery, fornication). God wants to not only see deliverance for these individuals, but He wants to ensure proper discipleship and mentorship as a follow-up..
Back to the initial question I have posed to you-- "Can you pray the "gay" Away"? I hope that I have brought light and truth to this issue. I would love to hear any comments on this matter. As always, thank you Kathleen for the honor and privilege of posting a blog post on your incredible web page. I have, and will continue, to refer many people to your website. I love you dearly my precious sister in Christ. Agape!.
www.understandingandovercominghomosexuality.com
Be blessed and be a blessing - Triumphant Ministries Toowoomba - Releasing Hearts
https://soundcloud.com/kathleen-malligan/sexuality-podcast-3-the
http://books.noisetrade.com/kathleenmalligan/personal-cleansing-workbook-26
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