Reiki is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. The word "Reiki" comes from two Japanese words:
- "Rei" meaning “universal”
- "Ki" meaning “life energy”
How It Works:
Practitioners believe that they can channel healing energy into a person by placing their hands lightly on or just above the body. The idea is that this energy promotes physical, emotional, and spiritual healing by balancing the body’s energy flow.
Key Features:
- Non-invasive and gentle
- Often used for stress reduction and relaxation
- Can be performed in person or "remotely" (distance Reiki)
- Practitioners undergo attunement from a Reiki master to learn the technique
Scientific Evidence:
While many people report feeling relaxed or comforted after Reiki sessions, scientific evidence of its effectiveness is limited and mixed. Some studies suggest benefits for stress and pain relief, but more rigorous research is needed.
Controversy:
Reiki is considered a pseudoscience by most in the medical and scientific communities because its mechanisms are not supported by scientific principles. However, it is sometimes used in hospitals and hospices as a complementary therapy.
From a biblical perspective, Reiki is considered spiritually dangerous and forbidden because it involves invoking and channeling an unknown "universal life force"—a concept that is not from God and contradicts Christian teachings.
A Clear Biblical Warning:
Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (ESV) says:
> “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.”
Reiki falls under the biblical category of mysticism, energy manipulation, and occult practices, which Scripture consistently warns against.
Why It’s Considered Dangerous:
Reiki bypasses God: It claims to heal or bring peace through impersonal “energy,” rather than through prayer, faith, or the power of the Holy Spirit.
Opens spiritual doors: Seeking healing from spiritual forces other than God can open a person to deception or demonic influence (2 Corinthians 11:14–15).
Substitutes God's power: It replaces the biblical view of God's sovereignty and the work of Christ with a man-made spiritual technique.
Key Verse:
Isaiah 8:19 (NIV):
> “When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists... Should not a people inquire of their God?
In short, Reiki promotes a spiritual system that is not rooted in Christ, and according to Scripture, any spiritual power apart from God is ultimately dangerous and deceptive.
🙏Here is a sincere and biblically grounded prayer of repentance and renunciation for anyone who has participated in Reiki or similar spiritual practices:
Prayer of Repentance and Renunciation from Reiki
Heavenly Father,
I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, acknowledging that You alone are God—Creator, Sustainer, and the only true source of life and healing.
I confess that I have participated in practices such as Reiki, seeking healing and peace through spiritual sources that are not from You. I now recognize that this was a sin, and I deeply repent for opening myself to powers that oppose Your truth.
Forgive me, Lord, for placing trust in man-made systems and for seeking power, healing, or peace outside of Your will. Cleanse me with the blood of Jesus Christ and restore my heart to full fellowship with You.
In the authority of Jesus Christ, I renounce all involvement in Reiki and any other occult or New Age practices. I break every agreement, initiation, or spiritual tie I made through Reiki or with any spirit associated with it.
I command every unclean or deceptive spirit that entered my life through these practices to leave now in the name of Jesus Christ and never return. I dedicate my body, mind, and spirit to the Lord Jesus Christ alone.
Fill me, Holy Spirit, with Your presence, peace, and power. Teach me to trust in You fully and seek healing through prayer, Your Word, and the work of Your Spirit. Guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Thank You, Lord, for Your mercy, love, and power to set me free. I choose to follow You alone from this day forward.
In Jesus’ mighty name I pray,
Amen.