By Fr. Vincent Lampert [social-share]

Fr. Vincent P. Lampert is the Pastor of St. Michael and St. Peter Parishes in Brookville, Indiana. In 2005 he was appointed the Exorcist for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. He received his training in Rome and is a member of the International Association of Exorcists. He is the author of Exorcism: The Battle Against Satan and His Demons.

[caption id="attachment_420119" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Photo Credit: James L Stanfield/National Geographic Creative[/caption]

Scripture tells us “Be not afraid” 365 times—once for every day of the year! No matter the challenges we face in our lives, God has given us many gifts to strengthen and encourage us.

1. Read and Use Scripture: Jesus himself used Scripture to renounce Satan, and so should we. Arm yourself with powerful verses that bring light, hope, and peace into your struggles.
2. Practice Marian Devotion: The Blessed Mother is our ally, full of grace, who leads us to her Son. The Rosary is own of our greatest weapons in spiritual battle.
3. Frequent the Sacraments: The seven sacraments fill us with God’s grace. Each of them— but particularly the Eucharist—help nourish, fortify, and sanctify us.
4. Pray and Fast: Jesus told the disciples that certain demons could only be cast out through prayer and fasting. Prayer connects us to God, while fasting creates an emptiness in us that reminds us that our longings can only be satisfied by God.
5. Call Upon your Guardian Angel: Our guardian angels not only protect us, but they inspire us, instruct us, and illumine us to always be about the things of God.