Whenever I lead a prayer workshop, I begin by telling the story of how we battled Satan for my son. I’ve blogged about it before, but to recap:
Seven years ago, our family relocated to a new city. Shortly after settling our children into their new rooms, we were pregnant again. With excitement, we moved our son, Jonah, out of the nursery and into a spare bedroom. Not long after, he began to wake in the middle of the night crying. Assuming it was a toddler phase, we re-implemented our sleep-training strategies. Nothing worked, and instead, his night anxiety only grew worse. I sensed something was not right because of his unique and terrifying cry. After much prayer, I believed there was something evil in my son’s room. I kept telling my husband, “I can’t describe it, but there is something sinister going on in there.”
Over the next several weeks Jonah’s situation worsened. Without knowing any details, some men at our church began asking Jason some questions and spoke truth into his life. They told him that Satan wanted our son and encouraged us to anoint his room.
Finally accepting something spiritual was happening, my husband poured some olive oil into a bowl and anointed Jonah’s room. We prayed specific scriptures and told Satan he had to leave in the name of Jesus Christ. We proclaimed His blood over each entrance of the room. Instantly, we felt something exit! And, praise the Lord, Jonah’s sleep troubles have stayed at bay ever sense. 1 Peter 5:8 became real when we saw, first hand, our enemy prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
A few months later we received an occult/witchcraft magazine in the mail addressed to a previous owner. To us, that confirmed our suspicions that we were engaging in spiritual warfare. We had no idea the events that might have taken place in our house long before our move. What demons might have the previous owners escorted in?
Have you ever considered anointing your home?
Since the experience with our son, Jason and I have never hesitated to encourage others to anoint their homes. Satan has no new tricks, and so while the details of others’ stories might be different, the battle is the same. Each time we have taken this journey with friends, we experience the victory that comes when we proclaim the blood of Jesus over ourselves and our property.
God always wins!
In Luke 10:19, Jesus gives us the authority to overcome all the powers of the enemy. He is careful, however, to clarify in verse 20 that we are never to believe this power comes from us. It comes only from the One who saves us.
Ephesians 6:12 tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, powers of this dark work, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Pause for a minute and think about that list. It identifies a lot of evil that we need to be actively engaging in battle. Before this, the Devil felt elusive and distance, even though I considered him the source of evil. The sobering reality is that spiritual warfare is all around us and we must remain on active duty.
If you aren’t waging war against the Enemy, he is winning in your life.
So, nine months ago, when God called our family to move across state lines and help launch a satellite campus for our church, we knew we wanted to anoint our new home immediately. Many people move into a new place, get everything settled, and then invite their friends over for a house-warming party. We chose a different approach. Three days after moving in, we asked our friends to come over. However, we weren’t hosting a house-warming party, or even an unpacking party, we were gathering believers in Christ to help us battle the Evil One.
The previous owners were going through a divorce, and we were unaware of what else might have taken place on our property under their care. Anointing every room in the house was a priority over unpacking. The Bible says that Satan has an army (Revelation 20:9), but he isn’t the only one! The church makes up an army of believers to join with the armies of heaven to do God’s will. As Satan sends out his soldiers to kill, steal, and destroy, we send out our prayer warriors to help us overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony (John 10:10 & Revelation 12:11).
So amidst all the boxes and misplaced furniture, we shared our story of spiritual warfare with our friends. Then we released each family to walk around our house, praying as they felt led. We equipped them with cups of oil and some printed Bible verses. After about forty-five minutes, we congregated at the front door to anoint it together.
Our homes are important, and they need protection. They are where we live, love, and grow in our relationship with the Lord and our family. Most of us lock our doors, and many utilize security systems, but we aren’t always as diligent about spiritually protecting our homes. The need to do so is just, if not more, important. For ourselves, those we love, and for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
If you haven’t yet anointed your house, I encourage you to do so. If you need help, below this post you can print off instructions and Bible verses. 1 John 5:19 says that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one, but James 4:7 gives us hope by assuring us that when we resist the Devil, he will flee from us. Never forget that the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world (1 John 4:4).
What are your thoughts on anointing your home?
darby dugger
For Scripture cards you can print off and pray, click here.
For instructions on home anointing, click here.
Sheila says
May our Lord and savior Jesus Christ continue to cover you and your family. Blessings my sister in Christ. I thank you for taking the time to share.
Darby Dugger says
Thank you!
Patrocoa5 says
Thank you
Darby Dugger says
You’re Welcome!
Viviana says
Hello, I’ve been wanting to annoit my house because ever since I had a few unbelieving visitors in my house, I feel very stuck in my spiritual life. It is extremely hard to pray when it wasn’t before! I now feel stuck, like I know I need to, I know want to but I can’t seem to get it done. I don’t know what to do!
Darby Dugger says
Hi Viviana, thanks for writing. Anointing is always a great place to start. You might also search your own heart to make sure there isn’t any unconfessed sin that is blocking your prayers. Hope the anointing sheet provided in this post is beneficial to you as you begin your journey.
Maria says
I couldn’t help to say thank you for sharing this because I think that’s what I needed to read to move on with God in my life and ask for forgiveness for my sins. I haven’t asked for forgiveness in a long while and you made me realize it.
Evie says
Thank you Lord and thank Darby for sharing this important post. Ever since returning from a short vacation I find it hard to pray in my home. Luke 10:19.
Darby Dugger says
I’m sorry to hear that! I pray that, after anointing your home, you will find it easier to pray!
Lynn says
This was a much needed post! A few yrs ago my family moved into my in-laws house that was sold. My apt belonged to my mother-in-law who I found yrs into my marriage dabbling in occult. When she left, the first thing I did was pray over the home asking God to fill our home and take away whatever demonic forces may have been left behind. I did have a few “unsettling” moments in the beginning but continued to pray. One day the door to my sons room was giving me some very strange resistance. Like the more I pushed, something on the other side was pushing back. I immediately prayed and asked the Lord to tell whatever was there they had to leave in his Holy name. That was the last time anything happened. Spiritual warfare is indeed real, and our homes are definitely the first line of defense. Thank you for sharing!
Darby Dugger says
Oh wow, Lynn! That is scary! I will be praying for total spiritual cleansing in your home!
Chris says
The links for the printables aren’t working for me, clearly the devil doesn’t want me to do this! Is there another place I can access these? Thank you in advance!
Darby Dugger says
Try this link: https://darbydugger.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Printable-Bible-Verses-.pdf
Annabelle says
Thank you for sharing this Darby, the prayers, testimonies and encouragement.
I built my house, however, i have been facing a lot of challenges until Holy Spirit guided me into anointing all the walls inside the house and also outside the house.
The attacks have been less in the last year or so. But i will never give up.
It is powerful to demonstrate the faith we have in the Blood of Jesus and tell the devil to leave, which reminds me of the movie the War Room.
God bless you Darby.
Leila Norris says
Thanks for sharing your story. It’s also a blessing to remind ourselves that the Lord gave US the authority to cast out demons in His name. We can tell them to get out of our homes, and they have to flee. Thank you , Jesus.
Gigi says
NO MATTER WHERE I MOVE, I ALWAYS ANOINTE MY NEW PLACE! IT BRINGS PEACE!
Darby Dugger says
Amen! So glad you do!
Tiffany says
This is amazing the same exact thing happened to my kids. The only fiffowe actually built our house it’s amazing to read your story because so many people do not believe in this. Thank you so much for share! God bless
Darby Dugger says
You’re welcome. Thanks for leaving a comment! God Bless you too!
Felix says
Praise the Lord for confirming this information. On the 2018 New Year’s Eve, I was saying my prayer and I heard the Spirit telling me to spread salt all over our apartment to anoint the house. What I did. My wife woke up in the middle of the night and so me throwing the salt everywhere. She thought something was wrong with me, and I shared my experience with her. I am so happy the Holy Spirit visited us. Thanks Darby for sharing your story. Never will I move into a new house without anointing it. I use to ask the Lord to protect and have control of my house and to protect us. But now I know we need a real anointing.
Darby Dugger says
I’m so glad you listened to Him! Praying for you and your home!
Katie says
Amen! Spiritual warfare is real & the disciples of Jesus need to put on the spiritual armor!
Darby Dugger says
Amen!
margaret dhanaram says
Hi Margaret, ever since I moved into my new apartment two years ago I lost my job my husband got sick. some friends of mine help me financially for a while, but now I am not able to pay my monthly rent , I did not anoint my apartment, but I pray, but most of the time I feel so discourage, that I do not know what to do. please pray for me and my husband. thank u.
Darby Dugger says
I’m so sorry. We are praying!
Jennifer Bradley says
I anointed our house several years ago. I was at the end of my rope with my husbands drinking. We were going to church and I was raising our son up in church. My husband had issues with drinking on and off throughout our whole marriage and I couldn’t take anymore. When I finally turned it over to God and walked through our house anointing every door and room God intervened and took the desire for alcohol away from my husband. I give Him all the praise glory and honor for it. We often walk through and anoint the preschool building I work at. Prayer works!
Darby Dugger says
That is an amazing testimony! Thank you for sharing!
Marie fish says
I am not able to view how to anoint your home for some reason can you please email it to me
Darby Dugger says
I’m sorry. I will send you an e-mail, but you can try these links as well:
http://darbydugger.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Printable-Bible-Verses-.pdf
http://darbydugger.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/How-to-Anoint-Your-Home-with-Oil.pdf
Leah Saurei says
I read your testimony is very powerful and thoughtful in many ways.
Regards
Leah
Darby Dugger says
Thank you! And thank you for leaving a comment!
Chuck Clements says
I believe you have reference the incorrect scripture regarding Anoint Your Home with Oil. You state Psalm 50-10 for a pure heart, it should be Psalm 51-10.
Tegan says
How does this work if only one team member is a believer? My husband has walked away from God at this point and I’m wondering the impact of that on me annointing our house.
Darby Dugger says
Well, the power of prayer isn’t limited to a believing couple. Pray and anoint in the name of Jesus and bring in an army of believers to help you if you can! I will be praying.
Susan turner says
Hello I’m new at this commenting stuff is there any way we can chat
Darby Dugger says
You can send me a facebook message (my page is my name) or send me a message via my website. Thank you!
Margie says
Thank you, Jesus/Abba and thank you Darby for this. I have been wanting to anoint my entire house for quite some time. But now I have no excuse I downloaded the two printable flyers you have posted so I am going to do this. I ask for prayers that the Lord compels my husband because my husband is not a believer and he has thing in the home that I do not approve of, prayers so that my husband will remove all those sinful things from our home.
Eve says
I’m glad you found peace for your family and your son. May God continue to watch over you!
Sandra says
Greetings in Jesu’s name.. This was very enlightening Sister. Was blessed by this… May God continue to bless and keep you and ur family….
Cindy says
I did the same in my home. But my home was brand new. But still didn’t know who helped build it. So my housewarming party was a prayer chain too. And I am so blessed and thankful. Cause Satin tried to come in but by the blood of Jesus could not.
Valarie Garcia says
I don’t believe I came across this post by accident. A few years ago my husband and I had a horrible almost physical fight, since then we have split. Although we agreed to be amicable and try being friends because he did help me raise my now 12yr old(he was 3 when we met). Since the split, everytime he came over it resulted in a verbal fight no matter how I tried to defuse the situation it resulted in very hurtful words and accusations. I’ve always felt a few presences attached to me and I’d like to believe one of those is my dad that passed in 1990, because one day out of the blue after updating the house I set out a picture of my dad and my son then 6 said to me “that’s my friend!” He had not seen a picture of my dad. I’ve felt my hair being caressed when I’m in n the kitchen alone. When I’ve had a challenging day I talk to dad and instantly I fall asleep. Its during the day that the house doesn’t feel like a home and my mind feels like it is being taken to anger and hostile thoughts and its then that my child and I leave and take a drive. So no this post was not an accident and I look forward to anointing my house and making it safe and protected by GOD. Thank you Darby!!
Olga says
Hello, I have a question. We live in Moldova, and here our family don’t have possibility to by our own house or an apartment, so we rente the apartment. this is an apartment with 2 rooms. one of them are closed in this room we put all owners personal things. and I pray for all house with oil. but when we moved in this house I live in the scares for my and my children health. it was a period when I thought that I’m dying . So I have a filing that it is a problem with this house. And what can I do? We don’t have a possibility to move in to an other house. Thank you for answer.
Anita says
Although this was posted in 2017 I must say my Sister in Christ it was such a blessing!! The entire time I was reading your testimony I was saying, “Jesus!”, “Yes Lord” or “Praise the Lord “, that my husband had to come and see what was going on. Alot of Christians need to hear this….there is a war going on and we need to not just look but see, not just listen but hear!! God bless you and your family.
Betty says
I strongly believe what you posted and God Bless you so much for sharing. Its time we sense what is going on in the life of our children and love one according to the power that is working in us for good works and pray fervently to save them and our households.
God bless you so much.
Leila Norris says
We certainly do need to cleanse our home from previous and current defilement. Then we also need to keep it that way by being vigilant about what comes in. Things like the leila watching certain (not all) movies and video games, Ouija boards, our own attitudes etc. don’t reopen a door. They r waiting to see if they can get back in and even bring others. (Matthew 23:43–45). Keep the house swept clean.
Aluce says
St one time, we were foster/adoptive parents. Life became a nightmare. Nothing was working until we finally learned about announcing our home. That had to be several times over a number of years because of the problems that were brought into our home. I’m so thankful we learned to anoint. Even the heating system.
Sammyjo says
Thanks so much for taking the time to write this. We have a similar situation, I feel the presence of negative energy. I’m off next week and will be anointing my home in Jesus name.
Marseline says
Thanks so much. It is all scriptural
M
Maya says
Thank You so much for the article. It was the need of the hour. God bless !!
Mamaw 15 says
Thank you for sharing this post about anointing our homes. Satan wants nothing more than for us to neglect inviting the Holy Spirit to take up residence in our homes. I pray the Lord’s protection over every door and window from wall to wall, ceiling to floor, rooftop to foundation, In the Name of Jesus!
Anna says
Hi Darby,
I live with my dad, brother, sister & her bf & 3 kids. Should I anoint the house if they’re unbelievers? .. I’ve went to a deliverance conference two weeks ago and prophet Ashley shared a story about how she anointed her brother’s house and a 6ft demon appeared in her dreams and threatened her about killing her brother. she said her mother went over there and slept on the couch one time and her mother had a dream about the 6ft demon walking in and out the house which she didn’t told her mother about… but her brother ended up in the hospital and almost died. I’m asking because I can’t find any information about anointing a house when you live with unbelievers. Could you provide some wisdom on this? Thanks so much.
Darby Dugger says
Hi Anna! That is tricky, but I would say it is never a bad idea to anoint a home where unbelievers live… maybe you might have to anoint it more often if they continue to invite evil in… but I think it is always beneficial to anoint a home. Hopefully that helps… just get many believing friends to do it with you in the name of Jesus. Greater is He who is in us than He who is in the world!
Jodie says
Hi I just came across this on Pinterest.
I tried clicking the links for the scripture cards and instructions on anointing your house, but they don’t work.
Is there a way that I can get them?
Thank you for your knowledge and wisdom!
Darby Dugger says
Sorry about that. Try this link: https://darbydugger.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Printable-Bible-Verses-.pdf
Florin Menezes says
I love the way you do. I too ask Jesus to protect my home with his precious blood. Darby please keep me in your prayers.
Darby Dugger says
Yes! I will be praying for you!
Louise Arthur says
Since becoming a Christian 40 odd years ago, I have prayed through every house I’ve lived in declaring Jesus blood over each room and commanding the devil get out in Jesus name and by the power of his blood. I’ve prayed through friends and family homes as well but I’ve never used oil to annoint or invited others to join me. Thanks for opening my mind to such a powerful response. Indeed we are in a spiritual battle. My son and his family have just relocated and I’m keen to visit to anoint their rental premise. Thanks again.
Louise Arthur says
Unfortunately, I can’t seem to access your printable scripture cards or instructions on how to annoint the home.
Darby Dugger says
Try this link: https://darbydugger.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Printable-Bible-Verses-.pdf
Alicia says
What a great post on anointing your home. I firmly believe that this is a must when moving into a house but I also believe that we need to re-anoint our homes on a regular basis. So glad you shared this.
Annabelle says
I believe in the re-anointing as well. I practice this at least once a month or as guided by Holy Spirit.
Emma , Coetzee says
Hi
Thank you for such inspiring story. I find it difficult to anointed my house. I always find setback…don’t know how to do it.
Teresa says
What if one’s spouse is an unbeliever, or behaves as one? My husband still lives in the secular world (TV, music, interests, etc), so will anointing my home even matter?