FREEDOM 21 DAY 20

DAY 20 - The Occult: Santa Muerte, Satanic Ritual Abuse, and Sacrifices

 

Today we will focus our prayer and repentance on the occult’s influence in human trafficking.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. –Ephesians 6:12

Many law enforcement agencies diligently work to expose and bring to justice those who traffic, kidnap, extort, exploit, and murder innocent victims. However, there is no doubt that our battle with criminal organizations on both sides of the border is more than a battle in the material realm; it is a battle in the spiritual realm.

In recent years, it has become evident that various forms of pagan religions and occultism associate themselves with illegal traffickers.(1) Two main deities worshipped by traffickers are:

SANTA MUERTE

Translated, this means Saint Death. Followers revere and worship death, who is depicted as a skeleton in a wedding dress or flowing robe, holding a scythe in her bony hand. Mexican authorities have linked the worship of Santa Muerte to prostitution, drug trafficking, kidnapping, smuggling, and homicides,(2) as well as human sacrifice.(3)

JESUS MALVERDE

This folklore “saint” is widely celebrated in Mexico and the United States, particularly by those involved with trafficking, and is one of the “narco-saints.” Followers believe that he aids, heals, and protects those who are faithful to him.

Law enforcement often discover altars with these and other narco-related patron saints in stash/ trafficking houses, residences, vehicles, and along smuggling routes and border crossings.(4) The Mexican government recently tore down many of these altars along the border, due to the fact that they symbolize a seemingly never-ending era of violence, trafficking, and inhuman practices.(5)

One of the incredibly hideous practices in the worship of Santa Muerte is the offering of human blood sacrifices. Brutally graphic stories have emerged detailing how many Mexican criminal organizations perform ritualistic death sacrifices as tribute to Santa Muerte, which they believe will aid and empower them in their illegal activity.

It is vital that we pray for the fall of these idols and the breaking of the demonic powers that propagate this evil.

To read the full USRPN article on this issue, please click here.

PERSONAL REPENTANCE

Father, forgive me for any areas of idolatry in my life. There will be no other God but You. Reveal any doors I have opened to demonic activity, and deliver me from evil.

CORPORATE REPENTANCE

Father we stand in the gap and repent on behalf of those engaged in occult activity in the United States and Mexico. Forgive our two nations for opening demonic doors of violence and idolatry that aid in human trafficking.

INTERCESSION

• Father God, we ask that You would cause those who worship these deities to experience Your love and mercy, and, by Your grace, know You personally.
   
• We pray that You would expose those who worship these deities for the advancement of their illegal activity. Furthermore, we ask that You would expose the demonic forces behind this activity and cause the Church to war against them in prayer and fasting.
   
• We declare the rule and reign of Christ Jesus over Mexico and the United States. By the authority of Jesus’ Name and blood, we pull down the demonic structures upon which these cults have been founded.
   
• We ask that, since Your blood was shed for the sins of the world, You would cease the spilling of blood on altars made for the appeasement of unclean spirits, strongmen, and principalities.

TAKE ACTION

1. One of the best ways that you can take action on this issue is by being educated on occult practices and activity to look out for. We highly recommend Cindy Jacobs’ book, Deliver Us From Evil, which will help you to understand various occult beliefs and their influences on society. Buy the book by clicking here!

2. If you suspect any occult activity that could also be criminal in nature, contact your local authorities.

3. If you have friends or family members that you think may be involved in the occult, talk to them about the dangers of occult worship and pray daily that they may come to know Christ.