What is binding and loosing? Is it appropriate for Christians to pray for binding and loosing? If not then what is the proper way?
The concept of binding and loosing comes from Matt. 16:19 and is repeated in Matt 18:18. It comes from Jewish legal terminology where something bound was forbidden and something loosed was authorized. In Matt. 16:19 it was used in reference to the disciples’ authority regarding the Kingdom. Having the Keys to the Kingdom meant Peter, and by implication the others, could in effect open it to believers and close it to unbelievers on the Lord’s behalf. They did this by preaching the gospel, so when a person heard the gospel and asked to be saved, they had the authority to promise them entry into the Kingdom.
The Bible never refers to binding and loosing in the context of spiritual warfare. Believers do have authority over evil spirits in the Lord’s name (Luke 10:17), but it doesn’t come from these verses, and to use “binding and loosing” in this context is a misapplication of Scripture. The proper way to deal with evil spirits can be found in James 4:7-8, 2 Cor. 10:3-5 and Ephesians 6:10-18. Remember, in 1 John 4:4 we’re told, “Greater is the One who is in you, than the one who is in the world.”