Decreeing and Declaring in Prayer: A Biblical and Theological Exploration

I am frequently asked about the concept of “Decreeing and Declaring” in prayer, and whether this practice aligns with Christian theology. In response to these inquiries, I have conducted thorough research to explore the nature and biblical basis of “Decreeing and Declaring,” as well as to distinguish it from similar practices, such as declarations and proclamations. My findings, which I outline below, provide a detailed examination of these practices, including their theological implications and biblical foundations. I hope this research will offer clarity and prove helpful to those seeking a deeper understanding of the subject.

The Practice of “Decreeing and Declaring” Prayer: A Comprehensive Examination

The concept of “decreeing and declaring” in prayer has gained significant traction in contemporary Christian circles, particularly within charismatic and Pentecostal movements. However, it raises essential theological and biblical questions. This research explores what it means to engage in “decreeing and declaring” prayers, how they differ from traditional declarations and proclamations, and whether they align with biblical principles. It also delves into the potential dangers of this practice and its absence in early Christianity. I hope this detailed analysis will provide clarity and offer a sound theological perspective on the subject.

Can Christians Practice “Decreeing and Declaring” Prayer?

To address whether Christians can or should practice “decreeing and declaring” prayers, it is essential to differentiate between declarations and proclamations and evaluate their scriptural foundations. Here, I explore the nature of these practices and their theological implications.

Research Findings: Declarations vs. Proclamations

1. Nature of Speech:

• Declaration: A declaration refers to affirming or announcing a truth, particularly biblical promises. This is an act of verbalizing God’s promises or truths over one’s life or situation. For instance, Joshua 1:8 encourages believers to meditate on and declare God’s law to align with His will[1][3].
• Proclamation: A proclamation is more forceful, serving as a public announcement or assertion of God’s will. It removes any doubt and is often seen in prophetic contexts, such as Ezekiel 37, where the prophet is instructed to proclaim life over the dry bones[2][3].

2. Biblical Basis:

• Declarations: These are rooted in scripture, where believers are encouraged to declare God’s truth over their lives. An example is Psalm 19:14, where David seeks alignment with God’s will by speaking His truth[3].
• Proclamations: Proclamations are often prophetic and align with what God has already decreed. Ezekiel 37 provides a clear example of God instructing the prophet to proclaim life to what appears lifeless, symbolizing God’s power over death and hopelessness[2].

3. Theological Understanding:

• Declarations: Theologically, declarations focus on the individual affirming God’s promises, bringing their thoughts and words into alignment with His word. They serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, encouraging spiritual alignment with scripture[3][5].
• Proclamations: Proclamations, on the other hand, carry greater authority, often serving as bold public statements of God’s truths or commands. These tend to function in a more outward-facing capacity, affirming God’s kingdom purposes on earth[2].

4. Relationship to Prayer:

• Declarations: While declarations can be integrated into prayer, they differ from traditional prayer forms by focusing on affirming rather than petitioning. They serve as verbal affirmations of God’s word rather than requests for His intervention.
• Proclamations: Proclamations operate differently, serving as confident announcements rather than supplications. They are rooted in declaring what God has already ordained, particularly in prophetic or spiritual warfare contexts[4].

5. Authority:

• Declarations: A declaration acknowledges God’s authority, aligning the believer’s will with His through spoken word. The authority is based on scripture rather than personal power[3].
• Proclamations: Proclamations are more authoritative, acting as public declarations of God’s will or promises. These often carry a weightier sense of power, as if decreeing what has already been decided in heaven[2].

Twisted or Dangerous Sides of “Decreeing and Declaring” Prayers

While the practice of “decreeing and declaring” has some appeal, it is not without potential pitfalls. There are several ways in which this practice can be distorted, leading to harmful or unbiblical consequences:

1. Treating Prayer Like a Magical Incantation:
Some may begin to view decreeing and declaring as a way to manipulate outcomes, treating prayer like a spell to command God’s hand. This approach risks undermining the true purpose of prayer, which is communication with God and submission to His will[4].

2. Presumptuous Commanding of God:
The practice can lead to a presumptuous attitude, where believers attempt to command God to act according to their declarations. Such an approach dishonors God’s sovereignty, as it positions the believer as the authority, rather than humbly submitting to God’s will, as seen in Philippians 4:6-7 [4].

3. Self-Centered Focus:
This type of prayer can encourage a focus on personal desires rather than aligning with God’s plans. The idea of “claiming” blessings can shift prayer away from the biblical model of seeking God’s will, as demonstrated by Jesus in Luke 22:42 [4][5].

4. Avoiding Self-Examination:
“Decreeing and declaring” may also be used to avoid the deeper, more challenging work of spiritual introspection. Prayers like Psalm 139:23-24, which invite God to search the heart, are often neglected in favor of declarations focused on external results[5].

5. Vulnerability to Spiritual Abuse:
In Counterfeit Kingdom, Holly Pivec and Douglas Geivett argue that the practice of “decreeing and declaring” can foster spiritual abuse within the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). The authors claim that this practice leads to doctrinal errors by overemphasizing human authority and distorting prayer into a tool for control or manipulation​[1][21].

Biblical and Theological Critique of Unhealthy Decreeing and Declaring

Several biblical and theological arguments challenge the practice of unhealthy decreeing and declaring:

1. Lack of Scriptural Basis:
Scripture does not provide explicit support for the idea that believers can decree or declare their way to desired outcomes. For example, in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, Paul’s response to suffering is one of petition and submission, not commanding the outcome[8].

2. Misinterpretation of Scripture:
Passages such as Mark 11:23-24, which speak about faith, are sometimes misinterpreted to justify decreeing and declaring. However, these verses emphasize trust in God’s power, not the inherent power of human words[11].

3. Overestimation of Human Authority:
The practice can foster an exaggerated sense of authority among believers, leading them to believe they can command realities into existence. This contradicts the biblical view that only God has ultimate authority to decree outcomes[8][9].

4. Disregard for God’s Will:
By focusing on declarations of desired outcomes, this practice can inadvertently ignore the biblical emphasis on submission to God’s will. Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane (Luke 22:42) offers a model of humility and deference to God’s plan, which is often absent in the decree and declare approach[9].

Historical Absence of “Decreeing and Declaring” in Early Christianity

The practice of “decreeing and declaring” as understood today does not have roots in early Christian tradition. Historically, Christian prayer was characterized by humility, supplication, and reliance on God’s will. Key points regarding the historical absence of this practice include:

1. Lack of Evidence in Early Christianity:
Early Christian texts, including writings from Church Fathers like Justin Martyr, reflect a tradition of petitionary prayer and thanksgiving, rather than authoritative declarations or decrees[17].

2. Development in Modern Movements:
The idea of “decreeing and declaring” seems to have emerged with the Word of Faith movement in the 20th century. This movement places a significant emphasis on the spoken word’s power, which differs from traditional Christian teachings [8][9].

Theological Variations on Declarations and Proclamations Among Christian Denominations

Different Christian denominations have varying theological perspectives on declarations and proclamations:

1. Catholic and Orthodox Traditions:

• View declarations and proclamations as functions of church authority. Declarations, especially those related to doctrine, are made by church leadership (e.g., the Pope or Ecumenical Councils), not individuals.

2. Mainline Protestant Traditions:

• More cautious about individual declarations and proclamations. They emphasize the interpretation of scripture within a community and focus on corporate confessions of faith rather than individual declarations.

3. Evangelical and Charismatic Traditions:

• More open to personal declarations and proclamations. Believers are often encouraged to speak out in faith, sometimes embracing the idea of “speaking things into existence.”

4. Reformed Traditions:

• Skeptical of extra-biblical declarations. They emphasize the sufficiency of scripture and focus on expository preaching rather than new proclamations [18].

5. Pentecostal Traditions:

• Open to prophetic declarations and personal proclamations. They often view “decreeing and declaring” as a form of spiritual warfare or prophetic utterance, with an emphasis on the revelatory work of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion: A Cautious Approach

While “decreeing and declaring” may be a practice embraced by some Christian groups, it should be approached with caution. It is essential to ensure that such practices are rooted in biblical truth and reflect proper theological understanding. Prayer should remain an act of humility, submission to God’s will, and trust in His sovereign power.

Citations:

1. [1] https://christianstt.com/57-powerful-declarations-to-speak-over-yourself/
2. [2] https://aglowblogs.org/prayer/2018/02/12/proclaim-declare-decree/
3. [3] https://dailyshepursues.com/christians-declaring-over-lives/
4. [4] https://africa.thegospelcoalition.org/article/biblical-prayer-versus-boldly-declaring/
5. [5] https://troybrewer.com/2021/07/15/confession-proclamation-and-declaration/
6. [6] https://www.godmanifest.com/decree-declare-pray/
7. [7] https://www.philhenrypowergospel.org/is-the-gospel-an-invitation-or-a-proclamation/
8. [8] https://www.bibleissues.org/decree-declare/
9. [9] https://intruthshedelights.com/is-decree-and-declare-biblical/
10. [10] https://www.andrewkgabriel.com/2018/08/21/declare-decree-over-lives/
11. [11] https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/is-it-biblical-to-decree-and-declare.html
12. [12] https://frankgantz.substack.com/p/the-dangers-of-the-i-declare-and
13. [13] https://africa.thegospelcoalition.org/article/a-caution-to-those-who-decree-and-declare/
14. [14] https://g3min.org/the-most-dangerous-prayer-a-christian-can-pray/
15. [15] https://ptstulsa.edu/rpli/the-lords-prayer-is-christianitys-most-dangerous-prayer/
16. [16] https://edcyzewski.com/2017/06/16/is-contemplative-prayer-dangerous-evangelicals-and-the-fear-of-contemplation/
17. [17] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_the_ante-Nicene_period
18. [18] https://preachingsource.com/journal/proclamation-the-theological-imperative/
19. [19] https://www.dialoguejournal.com/articles/the-theological-trajectory-of-the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world/
20. [20] https://www.reddit.com/r/Christians/comments/10donua/i_just_found_out_decree_and_declare_prayers_are/
21. [21] https://faithandselfdefense.com/2023/07/19/book-review-counterfeit-kingdom/