Penetrating the Darkness: Discovering the Power of the Cross Against Unseen Evil

by Jack W. Hayford

Evidence that evil is flourishing faces Christians every day, leaving many feeling hopeless and helpless. What they don't realize, says esteemed pastor Jack Hayford, is the power that is theirs through the cross. Instead, they labor under the misconception that spiritual warfare occurred only during biblical times.
But it is right here, right now, says Pastor Jack. And for the first time he lays out the strategies he's learned for engaging and defeating evil--through prayer. With clarity and passion, he shows readers how to
- develop powerful devotional habits
- engage in intercession
- plead the blood of Christ
- understand the correct use of binding and loosing
- confront evil
- learn why some prayers don't succeed
- and much more
When believers embrace the cross's power, they will stand up in hope and light against the evil of this world, penetrating even the deepest places where the enemy's darkness dwells.

Genres: Christian

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2011

About the author

Jack Williams Hayford (born June 25, 1934) is an American author, Pentecostal minister, and Chancellor Emeritus of The King's University (formerly The King's College and Seminary). He is a former senior pastor of The Church On The Way in Van Nuys, California and was the fourth President of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. He is widely known for his past involvement in the Promise Keepers movement and for being a prolific author and songwriter, with over 600 hymns and choruses in his catalog. He is the author of the popular 1978 hymn "Majesty", which is rated as one of the top 100 contemporary hymns and performed and sung in churches worldwide.

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a very real sense, the words of the title of this book could appropriately be used to provide a subtitle for the Bible. This book, written by Jack Hayford, outlines the power of the Word of God, the power of prayer, supplication, intercession and how to be a prayer warrior for the non-stop spiritual warfare we battle against. Speaking out God's authority and promises truly do penetrate the darkness. Put on the armor of God, and skill yourself with the weapons of warfare. If you wait until the day of chaos and panic, it will be too late. This is a book I will keep at my bedside as reference for strength.

[Marni Tagami · Rating 5 out of 5]

WONDERFUL nonfiction Christian book by Jack Hayford; easy read; crucial material for spiritual warfare and other kinds of intercessory prayer; good instructions for all Christians of prayer; and it is NOT DRY! It's very, very good, very well-written. I highly recommend it; Jack Hayford is a credible, knowledgeable, articulate, anointed, and authentic author, just one of his many hats of global, pastoral service.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for a friend who asked me to join her in prayer over a matter involving battle against the enemy. I bought two copies knowing it would speak to my heart concerning how to pray too. This book was a huge benefit in many areas of prayer in my life, and I am so grateful to Jack Hayford for his incite into the word of God and practical ways to apply it.

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prayer can be an availability to God’s word where “understanding is gained through learning, joined to an acquired and expanding experience” (Hayford).

Gift of the Kingdom: Jesus “came proclaiming the power and presence of the Kingdom as the ‘entry of God’s will’ and rule.”

While Hayford doesn’t get into the scholarship of what “binding and loosing” means, he is very close to the right answer. The right answer, of course, has nothing to do with Protestant and Catholics. Hayford sees the keys language as access to the kingdom where we bind situations and loose individuals. Of course, the text is talking about binding demons and loosing people from their oppression, but Hayford’s view can be seen as an application of it.

There is a “penetrating” power in prayer that is released when “prayer breaks through” and drives back the darkness.

Practical issues: try not to worry about a specific time limit for prayer, but if you need a number then start with fifteen minutes.

The most moving section of the book dealt with the legal rights by the blood. We might smile at older Pentecostals who would “plead the blood” over every situation, but there is a deep theological point there. The blood of Jesus provides protection, deliverance, a new beginning, and a witness.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

The awesome power of The Lords greatest victory is now our greatest strength!

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book(I actually listened to the audiobook). There are so many so called "Spiritual Warfare" books out there, and I have my doubts about many, and I was skeptical about this one too.

However I was surprised and encouraged to take my prayer life higher after Jack explained more fully to me the meanings of the different types or prayer in the Bible, what they mean and how they are necessary to the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

He also helped me to differentiate better between physical occurrences and the spiritual principles and principalities behind them.

A word of warning though, in my opinion, Jack steps very close to the line that crosses over from Charismatic to Charasmaniac. So, take what is useful to you now where you are in your journey or pilgrimage as a Christian, and leave that which doesn't seem to hold true to you, there is plenty that we can learn from this book.

ebook here: http://www.christianbook.com/penetrat...

MP3 Audiobook download here: http://www.christianbook.com/penetrat...

[Kathy Penrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first purchased this book, I didn't realize that it was basically a book on prayer. I was not expecting an instruction book on how to, not only stand firm against the enemy, but to push back against the evil present in this world. it is a battle plan against the enemy. he gives us instruction in prayer, intercession, and understanding the weapons at our disposal. We are to be proactive not reactive in our fight against the enemy and Hayford shows us how. Very practical.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most solid, Biblically-backed treatise on effective prayer that prevails over evil I have yet to encounter. Misconceptions and abuses are addressed. I would recommend this to anyone interested in "spiritual warfare" as a primer to ground that person in "sober judgement" Romans 12:2

[SeaShore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in 2011 and still own it. The author gives, through personal examples how to overcome adversities, which will certainly happen, and live in true freedom. Victory can penetrate darkness. Love binds us together in love.

[Elizabeth (Liz) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have tried a couple of times to pick up this book but it just isn't my taste.

[Karla Renee Goforth Abreu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book dealing with prayer and spiritual warfare.

[Bob Snook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is in my opinion one of the best books I have ever read on prayer. Very practical. I really learned a lot. I highly recommend.

[Wallace Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best and most empowering current day book on prayer I have read. We have power to take territory and changes things.

[René P. Bosman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about prayer.

[Bright]

I’m just keeping notes in here as I read.
“God is not obligated to answer prayers that are spoken without having entered into consultation with him first.”