Ever felt uncomfortable and uneasy around a stranger’s gaze? Or wondered if evil spirits exist in other humans, animals, or supernatural entities around us? And if so, are there ways to ward off negative energy through prayer for protection from evil?
Fear not — this article will provide answers to all your questions. And, at the end, you can find a list of five Christian prayers that will protect you.
The Evil Eye
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The idea or concept of an evil eye has endured over centuries. Historians found the first drawings in the Mediterranean region (on Ancient Greek drinking cups from the 6th century BC).
In ancient Egypt, this concept was closely tied to the Eye of Horus — a symbol that sailors drew on their ships to avoid perils on the sea. Later, this mystic belief passed on to Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Persians — each interpreting it in their own way.
Various peoples across the world believe that an evil eye can cause harm simply through the act of looking or staring. However, various cultures and tribes differ on how such forces of evil operate or how to protect ourselves from the evil eye or malevolent intent of other beings.
According to some folk traditions, only another human being can cast an evil spell. Other cultures believed that a dead animal (for example, a snake) had the power to cast an evil eye. While in some folk tales, a furious god or supernatural being casts a spell of evil upon a human.
Signs of an Evil Eye
Many believe that you are most vulnerable to evil spirits when you are happy, wealthy, or otherwise on top of your game. Let’s say, if someone over-compliments you, it may be a sign of an evil eye at work.
In stories, an evil spirit most often inflicts harm on those who are unaware of it. Therefore, an innocent person who doesn’t know they are being maliciously eyed is more likely to be a target.
How to Protect Yourself from Evil
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1. Use Talismans
One of the most popular ways of warding off evil is to place an evil-eye talisman inside your house. Often blue or green in color, this iconic eye symbol first appeared in the cultures of ancient Sumeria.
Evil-eye talismans are usually found near the entrances of homes or offices. It is traditionally believed that they help neutralize negative energy and repel evil so that it cannot enter.
2. Wear an Evil-Repelling Charm
Evil-eye amulets are increasingly popular as an item of jewelry. For starters, their proximity to one’s physical person ensures protection at all times, even when you are not inside your home.
The evil eye has recently become a popular design for bracelets, pendants, and earrings. Even Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, often wears them. While some don them for their aesthetic appeal, others wear these symbols to protect themselves from harm.
Make-up can also serve as protection. For example, people used kohl to draw around their eyes in ancient Egypt because they thought it would ward off evil spirits. This practice endures in modern-day India.
3. Use Safeguarding Words
In cultures across the Middle East, it is quite common to follow a compliment with a word of safeguarding. For instance, a mother will anxiously wait for words such as “Mashallah” (God has willed it) after a compliment about her newborn.
4. Say a Prayer for Protection from Evil
For most people who believe in the evil eye, prayer is still the best form of protection. Prayers exist in all major religions to help ward off evil spirits and, in doing so, protect believers from the harm they can cause.
Seeking the protection of a Higher, All-Mighty Power can ease the fears of a troubled mind — “The Lord is faithful, and He shall strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.’’ (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
In fact, we can find protection or safety prayers in literature from diverse religious traditions. From Judeo-Christian scripture to Hindu mythology, a standard way to keep yourself safe is to say a prayer for protection from evil. Prayers also exist in Buddhist and Islamic faith systems as a guard against the evil eye.
5 Christian Prayers for Protection from Evil
Psalm 91: 1-7
• “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
“You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.”
From the Book of Common Prayer
• “The Almighty Lord, who is a strong tower to all who put their trust in him, to whom all things in heaven, on earth, and under the earth bow and obey: Be now and evermore your defense, and make you know and feel that the only Name under heaven given for health and salvation is the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”
• “O God of heavenly powers, by the might of your command you drive away from our bodies all sickness and all infirmity: Be present in your goodness with your servant N., that his weakness may be banished and his strength restored; and that, his health being renewed, he may bless your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Ephesians 6: 10-12
• “Strengthen us in the power of Your might, O God. Dress us in Your armor so that we can stand firm against the schemes of the devil. We know that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Martin Luther King’s Prayer
• “Lord God, heavenly Father, you know that we are set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright. Grant us such strength and protection, to support us in all danger, and carry us through all temptations; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Martin Luther King
