The Holy Spirit is not merely a mystical presence but the very breath, wisdom, and power of God working in and through believers. Isaiah 11:2 offers one of the clearest biblical outlines of the Holy Spirit's attributes, describing seven distinct manifestations—often called the seven powers or spirits of the Holy Spirit. These powers were fully embodied in Jesus Christ and are given to believers to live godly and victorious lives. Isaiah 11:2 (KJV) " And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. " Let’s look at each power in detail: 1. The Spirit of the Lord This is the foundational presence of the Holy Spirit—the sovereign power of God that rests upon a person for divine assignment. It represents God’s anointing, approval, and presence. ...
Breaking Family Altars: A Biblical and Spiritual Approach
Family altars represent patterns, covenants, or spiritual influences inherited from previous generations. These can be godly altars (practices that honor God) or ungodly altars (idolatry, generational curses, or demonic strongholds). When an altar is ungodly, it must be destroyed so that God's presence can take precedence in the family.
This guide explores the biblical foundation of breaking family altars, how they affect families, and how believers can take spiritual action to break these altars through prayer, deliverance, and obedience to God's Word.
1. Understanding Family Altars
A family altar is a place of sacrifice, worship, or dedication to spiritual forces, whether divine or demonic. These altars can be physical (e.g., ancestral shrines) or spiritual (e.g., inherited patterns, beliefs, and curses).
Biblical Examples of Family Altars
1. Abraham’s Altar to God (Genesis 12:7) – Abraham built an altar to the Lord as a place of worship.
2. Gideon’s Family Altar to Baal (Judges 6:25-26) – Gideon was instructed by God to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and establish a new altar for God.
3. King Josiah’s Reforms (2 Kings 23:10-15) – Josiah destroyed the altars of false gods in Judah to restore true worship.
Signs of a Negative Family Altar
● Persistent generational struggles (poverty, sickness, addiction).
● Recurring demonic oppression or dreams linked to ancestors.
● Unexplained stagnation despite efforts.
● Family involvement in occult practices, idol worship, or ancestral rituals.
2. Biblical Instructions on Breaking Family Altars
A. Destroying Idolatrous Altars
God commanded Israel to eliminate any competing spiritual structures:
● Exodus 34:13 – "Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and cut down their Asherah poles."
● Deuteronomy 12:3 – "Tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, and burn their Asherah poles in the fire."
B. No Inheritance of Generational Curses
● Ezekiel 18:20 – "The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child."
● Colossians 2:14-15 – "Christ canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, disarmed the powers and authorities, and triumphed over them by the cross."
C. Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance
● 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 – "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. They have divine power to demolish strongholds."
● Luke 10:19 – "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy."
3. Steps to Breaking a Family Altar
A. Identify the Family Altar
● Examine family history for patterns of bondage (divorce, premature deaths, addictions).
● Ask God for revelation through prayer and fasting (Jeremiah 33:3).
B. Renounce & Repent
● Confess and renounce any ancestral covenants (Leviticus 26:40-42).
● Seek God’s forgiveness and break all agreements with darkness (1 John 1:9).
C. Destroy Any Physical Altars
● If there are objects of idol worship, remove and destroy them (Deuteronomy 7:5).
● Anoint the home and declare it consecrated to God.
D. Establish a Godly Altar
● Dedicate your family to God through prayer and worship (Joshua 24:15).
● Build a consistent habit of prayer, Bible study, and fasting.
E. Engage in Spiritual Warfare
● Declare God’s Word over your family (Isaiah 54:17).
● Use the authority of Jesus to rebuke demonic influences (Mark 16:17).
● Apply the blood of Jesus over your household (Exodus 12:13).
4. Prayers for Breaking Family Altars
Prayer of Repentance & Renunciation
"Father, I repent for any sins of my ancestors that have opened doors to evil altars. I renounce every ungodly covenant made knowingly or unknowingly, and I declare that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. By His blood, I am free from every generational bondage. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
Prayer of Destruction Against Evil Altars
"In the name of Jesus, I command every evil altar speaking against my family to be destroyed by the fire of the Holy Spirit. I nullify every sacrifice, covenant, and ritual made against my destiny. Let every demonic claim over my life be broken now! I establish the altar of the Lord in my family. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Prayer for Divine Restoration
"Lord, I declare that my family is blessed and free from every generational curse. Every blessing meant for my bloodline is restored in Jesus' name. I decree open doors, favor, and divine protection over my household. Amen."
Breaking family altars is a spiritual process that requires discernment, prayer, and faith in God’s power. As believers, we have authority through Christ to destroy any ungodly strongholds and establish God's presence in our homes. By following biblical principles and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can break free from generational bondage and walk in victory.
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