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Question Title	Posted By	Question Date
Line between Deliverance Prayer and Exorcist	Maria	Saturday, July 31, 2010
Question: Hello- I have a question regarding the distinction between deliverance prayer and exorcism. It is my impression that exorcism is conducted by a priest-exorcist and authorized by a bishop, only for a person whom the diocese believes "with moral certainty" is actually possessed (not obsessed, etc). In an exorcism, the text from the Roman Ritual would be used. A priest said that the words "I cast you out" cannot be used by the priest in deliverance prayer because that would constitute an exorcism. However, he asked the person who had the demonic issues to say "I cast you out" during the prayer. What do you think about this? The person is frustrated because he thinks that it would work more quickly if the priest would say those words.
Question Answered by Mr. Joe Meineke Dear Maria, Thank you for your question. What you are describing is a solemn exorcism and you understanding is correct: A solemn exorcism can only be preformed by a Bishop or by a priest whom he appoints. It is done following the formula contained in the Roman Ritual. It is a public prayer (e.g., done in the name of the Church). Note: "Public" does not mean that it is done with an audience. Public, as the Church defines it, simply means that it is done in the name of the Church. Deliverance prayer, on the other hand, is not the same thing as a solemn exorcism, nor is it public prayer. For example, the imperative words "In the name of Jesus Christ I cast you out," or other such similar language, do not constitute a solemn exorcism. Rather, this is what we call "deliverance prayer." Deliverance prayer is "private" prayer - that is to say, it is not done in the name of the Church, nor does it use the Rite of Exorcism defined in the Rituale Romanum. Deliverance prayer can be prayed by an individual himself, by a priest or a laymen. It is prudent, however, that non-exorcist priests and layman receive training before doing a deliverance ministry. However, technically speaking, there is nothing wrong with the priest commanding the demon to depart - he would not be violating Church law inasmuch as his prayer is private and is done in the name of his ministry. A layman may also say deliverance prayers, but he does it in the name of Jesus Christ and in the name of his personal apostolate if he has one. If it is possible, I would recommend that you have the priest read Fr. Euteneuer's new book, Exorcism and the Church Militant. It was written primarily for priests (although it is also very helpful for laymen as well) and it addresses, in depth, the confusion surrounding this topic and provides much needed clarity and guidance for priests and lay deliverance counselors concerning this important, sorely neglected and highly misunderstood ministry. Now, a word of caution: As Brother Ignatius has pointed out elsewhere in his writings, just because we are not forbidden to use imperative language, it is nevertheless prudent to ask God to do the casting out by using non-imperative language such as that which we all pray in the Our Father when we say, "deliver us from evil." It is far safer to implore the aid of Christ, Our Father in Heaven, the Angels and the Saints to do the casting out for us. This can be a dangerous ministry, and if it is undertaken by one who is not specifically called by God to be "on the front lines," so to speak, of spiritual warfare, then he is taking a great risk in "butting heads" directly with a demon. I do not want to impart an undue fear Satan and his demons, as God is infinitely more powerful than they are, and we, in turn, when united with God, also share in that power. Still, we must have a healthy respect for the fact that these beings are far more powerful than we are. It is only by God's power that we are able to withstand the power of any demon. I hope that this helps. God bless you, Joe Meineke For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.

Question Title

Posted By

Question Date

Line between Deliverance Prayer and Exorcist

Maria

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Question:

Hello-

I have a question regarding the distinction between deliverance prayer and exorcism. It is my impression that exorcism is conducted by a priest-exorcist and authorized by a bishop, only for a person whom the diocese believes "with moral certainty" is actually possessed (not obsessed, etc).

In an exorcism, the text from the Roman Ritual would be used. A priest said that the words "I cast you out" cannot be used by the priest in deliverance prayer because that would constitute an exorcism. However, he asked the person who had the demonic issues to say "I cast you out" during the prayer.

What do you think about this? The person is frustrated because he thinks that it would work more quickly if the priest would say those words.

Question Answered by Mr. Joe Meineke

Dear Maria,

Thank you for your question.

What you are describing is a solemn exorcism and you understanding is correct: A solemn exorcism can only be preformed by a Bishop or by a priest whom he appoints. It is done following the formula contained in the Roman Ritual. It is a public prayer (e.g., done in the name of the Church). Note: "Public" does not mean that it is done with an audience. Public, as the Church defines it, simply means that it is done in the name of the Church.

Deliverance prayer, on the other hand, is not the same thing as a solemn exorcism, nor is it public prayer. For example, the imperative words "In the name of Jesus Christ I cast you out," or other such similar language, do not constitute a solemn exorcism. Rather, this is what we call "deliverance prayer."

Deliverance prayer is "private" prayer - that is to say, it is not done in the name of the Church, nor does it use the Rite of Exorcism defined in the Rituale Romanum. Deliverance prayer can be prayed by an individual himself, by a priest or a laymen. It is prudent, however, that non-exorcist priests and layman receive training before doing a deliverance ministry.

However, technically speaking, there is nothing wrong with the priest commanding the demon to depart - he would not be violating Church law inasmuch as his prayer is private and is done in the name of his ministry. A layman may also say deliverance prayers, but he does it in the name of Jesus Christ and in the name of his personal apostolate if he has one.

If it is possible, I would recommend that you have the priest read Fr. Euteneuer's new book, Exorcism and the Church Militant. It was written primarily for priests (although it is also very helpful for laymen as well) and it addresses, in depth, the confusion surrounding this topic and provides much needed clarity and guidance for priests and lay deliverance counselors concerning this important, sorely neglected and highly misunderstood ministry.

Now, a word of caution: As Brother Ignatius has pointed out elsewhere in his writings, just because we are not forbidden to use imperative language, it is nevertheless prudent to ask God to do the casting out by using non-imperative language such as that which we all pray in the Our Father when we say, "deliver us from evil."

It is far safer to implore the aid of Christ, Our Father in Heaven, the Angels and the Saints to do the casting out for us. This can be a dangerous ministry, and if it is undertaken by one who is not specifically called by God to be "on the front lines," so to speak, of spiritual warfare, then he is taking a great risk in "butting heads" directly with a demon.

I do not want to impart an undue fear Satan and his demons, as God is infinitely more powerful than they are, and we, in turn, when united with God, also share in that power. Still, we must have a healthy respect for the fact that these beings are far more powerful than we are. It is only by God's power that we are able to withstand the power of any demon.

I hope that this helps.

God bless you,

Joe Meineke

For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.