The spirit of Laban refers to a spirit of exploitation, delay, manipulation, and oppression, often seen in situations where someone takes advantage of others for their personal gain. This spirit can affect your work, finances, and relationships, causing setbacks and unnecessary hardship. The story of Jacob and Laban in Genesis 29-31 shows how Laban repeatedly manipulated and deceived Jacob for his own benefit. Jacob worked for Laban for many years without receiving the full rewards he deserved, but God eventually delivered him from this exploitation.
If you feel like you’re trapped in a cycle of unfair treatment, manipulation, or stagnation, you may be dealing with the spirit of Laban. Here are prayer points to help you break free from this oppressive force.
1. Break the Power of Exploitation
The spirit of Laban thrives in environments of unfair labor, deceit, and exploitation. Pray to break the power of exploitation over your life, whether it’s in your job, business, or relationships.
Prayer Point:
“Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, I break every spirit of exploitation, manipulation, and deceit over my life. I reject the spirit of Laban that seeks to oppress me in my work, finances, and relationships. I declare that I am free from any form of manipulation and I will no longer be taken advantage of by those with selfish motives.”
2. Pray for Divine Compensation and Restoration
Just like Jacob, who was compensated by God despite Laban’s exploitation, pray for divine compensation for all the years and efforts that may have been stolen or wasted.
Prayer Point:
“Lord, I pray for divine restoration and compensation for every blessing, opportunity, and reward that has been delayed or stolen by the spirit of Laban. Just as You blessed Jacob and restored what was owed to him, I ask for Your favor to restore all that has been lost in my life. Let everything that I have worked for be multiplied and restored in Jesus’ name.”
3. Declare Freedom from Delay and Stagnation
The spirit of Laban causes unnecessary delay, trapping you in a cycle of hard work with little reward. Declare freedom from delay and stagnation, and pray for God’s timing and progress in your life.
Prayer Point:
“In the name of Jesus, I break every spirit of delay and stagnation operating in my life. I declare that the spirit of Laban will no longer hold back my progress. I speak acceleration over my career, finances, and personal growth. Lord, release me into the fullness of Your plan and purpose without delay.”
4. Pray for Discernment and Wisdom
One of Laban’s tactics was to manipulate Jacob by constantly changing the terms of his agreement. Pray for discernment and wisdom to recognize deceitful schemes and avoid falling into traps of manipulation.
Prayer Point:
“Lord, I pray for discernment and wisdom to recognize any manipulation or deceit around me. Open my eyes to see clearly where the enemy is trying to trap or exploit me. Give me the wisdom to make decisions that align with Your will and to walk away from situations or people who seek to manipulate and control me.”
5. Declare Favor in the Workplace
The spirit of Laban can affect your workplace, causing exploitation by employers or making you feel undervalued. Pray for God’s favor in your work environment and for fair treatment and recognition for your efforts.
Prayer Point:
“Father, I declare Your favor over my workplace. I ask for fair treatment, recognition, and rewards for my labor. I bind the spirit of Laban that seeks to cause exploitation, and I declare that I will be valued and treated justly. Lord, give me favor in the eyes of my employers, colleagues, and clients, and let my efforts be rewarded in Jesus’ name.”
6. Pray for Deliverance from Manipulative Relationships
If you’re in a relationship or situation where you feel constantly manipulated or taken advantage of, pray for deliverance and the strength to set healthy boundaries.
Prayer Point:
“In the name of Jesus, I break free from every manipulative relationship in my life. I declare that I am no longer under the influence of the spirit of Laban, and I will not be used or controlled by others. Father, give me the strength to set healthy boundaries and to walk in the freedom that You have called me to.”
7. Declare God’s Justice and Protection
Just as God eventually delivered Jacob from Laban’s control, pray for God’s justice and protection over your life. Declare that God will fight on your behalf and bring an end to any oppression.
Prayer Point:
“Lord, I thank You that You are a God of justice. I pray for Your protection over my life and declare that You will fight on my behalf against any spirit of oppression or manipulation. Just as You delivered Jacob from Laban’s control, deliver me from anyone or anything that seeks to hold me back. I trust that You will bring justice and restore everything that has been lost.”
8. Pray for God’s Favor in Negotiations
If you’re in a situation that requires negotiations—whether it’s in business, employment, or legal matters—ask God for favor and wisdom to ensure that the outcome is fair and just.
Prayer Point:
“Lord, I pray for Your favor in every negotiation and decision-making process I’m involved in. I bind the spirit of Laban that seeks to manipulate terms for its own advantage, and I declare that I will receive fair and just outcomes. Give me wisdom and insight as I navigate any agreements or discussions, and let Your hand guide me to victory.”
Sample Prayer Against the Spirit of Laban
“Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of Jesus, recognizing that the spirit of Laban may have been working against me. I reject and break every spirit of exploitation, delay, manipulation, and oppression that has come against my life. Lord, just as You delivered Jacob, deliver me from anyone or anything that is trying to take advantage of me. I declare freedom from every delay and declare that my hard work will not be in vain.
I pray for divine compensation for all that has been lost or delayed. Restore to me what has been stolen, and release favor over my life, my work, and my relationships. Give me discernment and wisdom to recognize deceit, and grant me the strength to walk in truth. I trust You for justice, and I declare that I will walk in freedom, abundance, and favor. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.”
Key Scriptures to Stand On
- Genesis 31:7 – “Yet your father has cheated me by changing my wages ten times. However, God has not allowed him to harm me.”
- Isaiah 61:7 – “Instead of your shame, you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace, you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.”
- Psalm 75:6-7 – “For promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.”
- Proverbs 22:22-23 – “Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.”
Conclusion: Walk in Freedom from the Spirit of Laban
The spirit of Laban works through manipulation, exploitation, and delay, but it has no authority in the life of a believer who is standing firm in the promises of God. Through prayer, faith, and God’s guidance, you can break free from its influence and step into a season of favor, restoration, and justice. Keep pressing in with these prayer points, and trust that God is fighting on your behalf to bring you into freedom and blessing.