The Dangers of “Back to Sender” Prayers

In many Christian circles today, “Back to Sender” prayers have become a common spiritual practice. These prayers are often said in response to perceived attacks, whether from enemies, witches, or unseen spiritual forces. The idea is simple: “Whatever evil my enemy sends to me; let it go back to them.”

While these prayers may sound powerful and protective, they contradict the heart of the Gospel. The truth is, “Back to Sender” prayers are not Christian, they mirror witchcraft more than Christ.

Let’s explore why these prayers are dangerous, how witches manipulate similar concepts, and what the Bible truly teaches about dealing with evil.

1. What Are “Back to Sender” Prayers?

A “Back to Sender” prayer is a type of spiritual warfare prayer where the person asks God to return any curse, spell, or evil intention from an enemy back to its originator.

It is often prayed like this:

“Any arrow of death or sickness sent to me, go back to your sender in Jesus’ name!”

On the surface, it appears biblical, after all, doesn’t the Bible talk about God fighting for us? But when we look deeper, this kind of prayer reveals a spirit of retaliation, not redemption.

2. How Witches Use Similar Practices

In witchcraft and occult practices, there is a concept known as “mirror spells” or “return to sender rituals.” Witches use these to reflect curses, hexes, or negative energy back to whoever sent them.

This is done not out of love or faith, but out of vengeance and self-defence powered by spiritual manipulation.

When Christians adopt the “Back to Sender” mindset, they unknowingly imitate the same dark principle, returning evil for evil instead of overcoming evil with good.

In essence, it’s a form of spiritual retaliation, not spiritual warfare.

3. Scriptures Often Used to Justify “Back to Sender” Prayers

Many who promote these prayers quote Old Testament scriptures out of context, such as:

• Psalm 35:8 – “Let destruction come upon him unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself.”
• Psalm 7:15-16 – “He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.”

While these verses describe God’s justice upon the wicked, they are not instructions for believers to pray harm upon others. These Psalms reflect David’s cries for divine justice under the Old Covenant, a time before Jesus’ command to love enemies and forgive.

Under the New Covenant, Christ fulfills the law and transforms our response to evil through love and mercy.

4. What the New Testament Teaches About Responding to Evil

The words of Jesus are clear and direct:

• Matthew 5:44 – “But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
• Romans 12:19–21 – “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves… for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord… Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
• 1 Peter 3:9 – “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”

God never calls us to send evil back to anyone. Instead, He calls us to forgive, bless, and release. When you pray “Back to Sender,” you align with vengeance, not grace.

5. The Hidden Dangers of “Back to Sender” Prayers

1. They open doors to spiritual pride and retaliation.
   You begin to see yourself as a judge rather than a vessel of mercy.
2. They contradict the Gospel of grace.
   Jesus bore our sins so that mercy would triumph over judgment (James 2:13).
3. They mimic witchcraft and occult principles.
   Returning evil for evil operates in the same spiritual frequency as those who practice divination and curses.
4. They hinder your prayers.
   Bitterness and unforgiveness block God’s presence (Mark 11:25).
5. They deny God’s sovereignty.
   Only God has the right to avenge wrongs; when we try to take that role, we step into rebellion.

6. How Christians Should Pray Instead

Instead of praying “Back to Sender,” here’s how you can pray biblically:

“Lord, I release every person who has wronged me. Protect me from evil and deliver those who oppose me from the darkness they walk in. Let Your light overcome all darkness in and around me.”

This kind of prayer keeps you spiritually pure and aligned with the heart of Christ.

7. Choose the Way of the Cross, Not Retaliation

Jesus never said, “Return to sender.” He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

When we choose forgiveness over revenge, love over retaliation, and mercy over judgment, we reflect the true character of God. The cross, not curses, is our victory.

“Back to Sender” prayers may seem powerful, but they come from a spirit of vengeance, not from the Spirit of Christ. True power is found in forgiveness, prayer, and love.

Also Read: Unforgiveness: 4 Ugly Truths Why You Must Let Go