After an Exorcism occurs, how does a person keep the devil from coming back? In the Gospels we read a story that describes how a person who was exorcised was then visited by a whole host of demons, who sought to reenter in a more forceful way (cf. Matthew 12:43-45). The Rite of Exorcism only expels demons from a person; it does not keep them from coming back.
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In order to ensure that the devil does not return, exorcists recommend four ways that will keep a person’s soul at peace and in God’s hands:
1. Frequent the Sacraments of Confession and Eucharist
The most common way a demon can enter into someone’s life is through a habitual state of mortal sin. The more we divorce ourselves from God through sin, the more susceptible we are to a demon’s attack. Confession of sins, then, is the primary way we have to put an end to our life of sin and to start out on a new path. It is no coincidence that the devil relentlessly tried to scare Saint John Vianney away from hearing the confessions of hardened sinners. Confession has such power and grace that the devil must flee away from a person who frequents that sacrament.
Along with Confession, the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is even more powerful in driving away the influence of the devil. This makes perfect sense as the Holy Eucharist is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ and demons have absolutely zero power in front of God Himself. Especially when the Eucharist is received in a state of grace after Confession; the devil simply has no place to go but far away. Saint Thomas Aquinas confirmed this in his Summa Theologiae when he wrote, “[The Eucharist] repels all the assaults of demons. Hence Chrysostom says (Hom. xlvi in Joan.): “Like lions breathing forth fire, thus do we depart from that table, being made terrible to the devil.”
2. Consistent Daily Prayer Life
A person who frequents the sacrament of Confession and the Eucharist must also abide by a consistent daily prayer life. The key-word is: consistent! This puts a person in a daily state of grace and relationship with God. A person who daily converses with God should never be afraid of the devil. Exorcists always suggest to possessed persons to abide by strong spiritual habits, such as frequent reading of Scripture as well as praying the Rosary and other private prayers. Attending Mass every Sunday is a must to remain close to God. Having a daily schedule of prayer would be most beneficial and has great power to keep demons at bay.
3. Fasting
This advice comes straight from the Gospels, when Jesus says to His disciples, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29). This is mainly referring to moderate fasting as any extreme fasting can do more damage than good. Only very privileged souls can undertake such fasting as the hermits who live in the desert and only eat bread and water. For us who live in the world and have various responsibilities (such as our families) we cannot fast so much as to neglect those responsibilities. However, we are encouraged to fast at the very least every Friday of the year, but can also take up little acts of fasting, such as fasting from eating between meals.
4. Sacramentals
Exorcists not only use sacramentals (the Rite of Exorcism is a sacramental), but advise possessed persons to frequently use sacramentals. They are a powerful weapon in the daily fight to keep the devil from ever coming back. Exorcists suggest such sacramentals as Blessed Salt and Blessed Water to not only be kept at home, but to be brought along wherever a person goes.