I am often asked the question, ‘How many times do I need to pray for generational influences to no longer be in effect?’  It is an important question because false expectations invite disappointment and disillusionment.  The power of the Gospel to save should never be in doubt.  God will change anyone willing to live cross-centered.  

There are two things I’ll say about this. 

1. Generational sins are committed for two reasons:  There’s power in the temptation because of family history.  And, the person who commits the sin exercises his free will to engage with it.  

Yes, the effects of generational sin bring demonic power into family lines but when it combines with our own flesh, it creates a formidable combination.  Getting free from it must also be two fold: We must pray for the blood of Christ to wash sinful effects from our bloodline and we must followup up with intentional obedience. 

For instance, if I pray for generational immorality to be broken in the life of my adult son, it will not disappear from his life because of my one prayer.  But I will see the power of the temptation lessened!  With demonic influence stilled, my son will find it easier to acknowledge his sin and turn away from it. 

2.   Generational prayers should be prayed as long as we see evidence of the bad fruit.  In the rather long list of generational sins that I included in yesterday’s devotional (and also below in today’s email), many boxes were probably checked.  Some were more predominant than others.  For those that have been sporadic, praying once could suffice.  For the top three however, it will require tenacious intercession.

Bottom line ~  Breaking the power of generational influences is the beginning of freedom. After that, the Gospel will change people but only with yielded participants.