PRAYING DOWN THE HOLY GHOST FIRE ON PEOPLE IS UNBIBLICAL

It is the custom in especially the charismatic church circles to call down fire from heaven over the congregation or pray fire over someone. They also call it the “Holy Ghost Fire” prayer!

But did Jesus ever instruct His disciples to pray that way? No! He didn’t! It is just another of those deceptive foolish practices in church. Here are some Bible scriptures that are often being misused to justify the “Holy Ghost Fire” prayer.

Some interpret the appearance of fire as referring to the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was sent from heaven.

“On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.” Acts 2:1-3 NLT

It is important to note here when it says, “what looked like flames or tongues of fire” is not literal fire. Does this really mean that we now should pray fire over people?

Then, there is this verse where John the Baptist testify about Jesus saying,

“But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be His slave and carry His sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Matthew 3:11 NLT

But the “fire” referred to here has to do with trouble or trials that a believer may have to experience!

The following scriptures confirms this:

“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1. Peter 1:7 NLT

“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in His suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to all the world.” 1. Peter 4:12-13 NLT

“For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him.” Philippians 1:29 NLT

Now, does these above scriptures tell us to pray fire over people?

In the Old Testament, the prophet Elijah pronounced a curse over his enemies by calling down fire from heaven to consume them.

“But Elijah replied to the captain, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and destroy you and your fifty men!” Then fire fell from heaven and killed them all.” 2. Kings 1:10 NLT

In the New Testament, Jesus warned His disciples not to play with fire!

^“As the time drew near for Him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for His arrival. But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on His way to Jerusalem. When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them.” Luke 9:51-54 NLT

Is there any reason to pray fire over people? This “Holy Ghost Fire” prayer is totally ridiculous!