Spiritual Warfare & Supernatural
Language about the unseen spiritual realm, prayer as battle, and God's guidance.
Anointed
Spiritual Warfare & SupernaturalSpecially empowered or set apart by God for a task — and also, literally, having oil placed on one's forehead during prayer.
“"God's power is clearly on that person (or: someone just put oil on your head)."”
Deliverance
Spiritual Warfare & SupernaturalFreeing a person from demonic influence or spiritual bondage through prayer — taken very literally in some traditions and understood more broadly in others.
“"Praying to get someone free from something evil that has a grip on them."”
The Enemy
Spiritual Warfare & SupernaturalThe devil — a personal spiritual adversary Christians believe opposes God, works against people (especially believers), and strives to hinder God's work of bringing humanity into right relationship with Him.
“"The devil. Satan. Lucifer. The ultimate evil adversary, opposed to God in every way."”
I Felt Led
Spiritual Warfare & Supernatural"I had a strong inner sense that I should do this" — an impression Christians attribute to God's guidance through the Holy Spirit.
“"I had a gut feeling I think God gave me."”
Filled with the Spirit
Spiritual Warfare & SupernaturalA deeper experience of God's presence and power in a person's life. Pentecostals see it as a distinct event after conversion, often marked by speaking in tongues; other traditions describe it as ongoing.
“"Full of God — with more of His power and presence in me than before."”
Fleece (Put Out a Fleece)
Spiritual Warfare & SupernaturalAsking God for a specific sign before making a decision — from the story of Gideon, who laid out a sheep's fleece and asked God to make it wet while the ground stayed dry.
“"If this specific thing happens, I'll take it as God's answer."”
God Told Me
Spiritual Warfare & SupernaturalHow Christians describe a sense of specific guidance from God — ranging from a strong impression to a vivid inner conviction. Almost never an audible voice.
“"I'm convinced God wanted me to do this."”
Open Door
Spiritual Warfare & SupernaturalAn opportunity that appears (open door) or falls through (closed door), read as God's "yes" or "no" about a decision.
“"It worked out, so I think God wanted it. (Or: it fell through, so I think He didn't.)"”
Slain in the Spirit
Spiritual Warfare & SupernaturalFalling backward, usually during prayer with laying on of hands, understood in charismatic churches as being overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit's presence.
“"Someone prayed for me and I fell over — and I believe that was God."”
Speaking in Tongues
Spiritual Warfare & SupernaturalPraying or speaking in a language the speaker never learned, understood in Pentecostal and charismatic churches as a gift of the Holy Spirit.
“"Praying out loud in sounds that aren't any language I know — and believing that's the Spirit."”
Spiritual Warfare
Spiritual Warfare & SupernaturalThe belief that there's an unseen conflict between God's kingdom and evil spiritual forces that touches everyday life, and that Christians are in it — fought with prayer, scripture, and faithfulness.
“"The invisible fight between good and evil — and I'm on the field whether I like it or not."”
Stronghold
Spiritual Warfare & SupernaturalA persistent sin, fear, lie, or destructive pattern that has become spiritually entrenched — hard to break because it's dug in.
“"The thing I keep doing (or believing) that I can't seem to shake."”
Word of Knowledge
Spiritual Warfare & SupernaturalA message someone believes God has given them, often for a specific person — a fact they couldn't have known, or an encouragement meant for you.
“"I believe God just told me something about you."”