20+ Powerful Prayers Against Witchcraft with Bible Verses
In the tapestry of faith, prayer stands as a beacon of hope, a direct line to the divine presence that guides, protects, and strengthens us. It is through prayer that we communicate our deepest needs, express our heartfelt gratitude, and seek solace in times of trial. For believers navigating the complexities of spiritual warfare, prayer is not merely a practice but a powerful weapon, a shield against the unseen forces that seek to undermine our peace and hinder our walk with God. The Bible itself is replete with accounts of individuals who faced formidable opposition, yet found victory through unwavering faith and persistent prayer. As we turn our hearts and minds to the Lord, we acknowledge His supreme authority and His boundless love, trusting that He hears our every plea and answers according to His perfect will.
The spiritual significance of prayer against witchcraft lies in its ability to realign our focus from the perceived threats to the ultimate power of God. Witchcraft, in its various forms, often seeks to instill fear, confusion, and despair, aiming to disconnect individuals from their spiritual source. However, when we approach God in prayer, we are reminded of His omnipotence and His promise of protection for those who trust in Him. This act of prayer is a declaration of our allegiance to the Almighty, a conscious decision to stand firm in the truth and to resist any influence that contradicts His divine order. It is a devotional act that fortifies our spirit, renews our mind, and anchors our soul in the unshakeable foundation of God’s love and faithfulness.
Engaging in prayer is an invitation to experience God’s presence more deeply. It is a personal and sincere conversation where we can lay bare our struggles, our doubts, and our fears, knowing that we are speaking to a God who understands and cares. This devotional approach to prayer transforms it from a mere ritual into a living, breathing connection with the Creator. It encourages a posture of humility and dependence, recognizing that our strength comes not from ourselves, but from the Lord. As we commit ourselves to this sacred practice, we open ourselves to receive divine wisdom, courage, and peace, empowering us to face any challenge with unwavering faith and a spirit of victory.
This collection of prayers is designed to be a source of strength and encouragement for those who feel targeted by spiritual attacks or who simply wish to fortify their defenses against the negative influences of witchcraft. Each prayer is crafted with specific intentions, drawing upon the rich wisdom of Scripture to provide a framework for your supplications. May these prayers serve as a powerful reminder that you are never alone, that God’s protective hand is always upon you, and that through faith and prayer, you can overcome any obstacle and live a life filled with His abundant peace and joy. Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that our Heavenly Father hears us.
20+ Powerful Prayers Against Witchcraft with Bible Verses
1. Prayer for Protection Against All Forms of Witchcraft
Heavenly Father, I come before You today with a heart full of faith, acknowledging Your supreme power and authority over all creation. I stand on Your promises of protection and deliverance from every scheme of the enemy. I declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and no enchantment or sorcery shall have any power over my life. I cover myself, my family, and my home with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, your Son, who has redeemed us from the curse of the law. I pray for a divine shield of Your Spirit to surround me, deflecting all arrows of witchcraft, jealousy, envy, and malice aimed at me. Grant me wisdom to discern the enemy’s tactics and strength to stand firm in Your truth.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song I will praise Him.” – Psalm 28:7 (NKJV)
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord. – Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV)
Lord, I pray that You would dismantle every altar, every curse, every spell, and every assignment sent against me or my loved ones. Let Your fire consume all evil works and intentions. I ask for Your divine intervention to break every chain of bondage and to set me free from any spiritual manipulation or control. Empower me with Your Holy Spirit to walk in victory, to live a life that glorifies You, and to be a testament to Your unfailing love and protection. Thank You for Your constant presence and for Your mighty power that is at work within me.
2. Prayer for Deliverance from Generational Curses
Father God, I humbly approach Your throne of grace, seeking Your mercy and deliverance from any generational curses that may have been passed down through my lineage. I acknowledge that these curses are not from You, but from the enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. I repent for any sins of my ancestors that may have opened doors for these curses, and I claim the redemptive power of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, which broke the power of sin and curse over my life. I declare that I am a new creation in Christ, and the blessings of Abraham are now mine.
“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” – Galatians 3:13-14 (NKJV)
“The Lord will command the blessing to be on you in your storehouses and in all which you put your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” – Deuteronomy 28:8 (NKJV)
I pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal any specific curses or ungodly patterns that need to be broken. I ask You to sever every tie and connection to ancestral witchcraft, idolatry, or any other sin that has allowed these curses to manifest. Fill me with Your Spirit of freedom, peace, and righteousness. Help me to walk in the newness of life that You have provided, free from the bondage of the past. I commit my future to You, trusting that You will establish me as a blessing and a light to the nations, breaking the cycle of curses and establishing Your divine favor.
3. Prayer Against Evil Eye and Envy
Almighty God, I lift my voice to You, my protector and my refuge. I pray against the malevolent influence of the evil eye and the destructive power of envy directed towards me and my household. I know that Your divine gaze is upon me, and Your love is a greater force than any envious stare or ill wish. I ask You to blind the eyes of those who wish me harm through envy and to soften their hearts with Your love. Protect my spirit, my mind, my body, and my possessions from any harm or misfortune caused by these negative energies.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26 (NKJV)
“You shall not fear the terror by night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor the destruction that lays waste at noonday.” – Psalm 91:5-6 (NKJV)
Lord, I pray that You would fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding my heart and mind against any anxiety or fear that envy might try to sow. Help me to love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me, trusting that You will deal with them justly. I declare that my life is in Your hands, and no amount of envy or ill will can alter the destiny You have planned for me. Thank You for Your constant watchfulness and for Your unfailing grace that shields me from all harm.
4. Prayer to Break Spells and Enchantments
Gracious Father, I stand in the authority You have given me in Christ Jesus to overcome all the power of the enemy. I come against every spell, enchantment, hex, or jinx that has been cast against me, my family, or my property. I declare that these works of darkness have no power or effect because I am covered by the blood of Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice that nullifies all other offerings and rituals. I ask You to send Your mighty angels to dismantle and destroy every spiritual device and manipulation aimed at my destruction or downfall.
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” – Luke 10:19 (NKJV)
“For the flesh struggles against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” – Galatians 5:17 (NKJV)
Lord, I pray for Your divine intervention to break every chain of witchcraft and to release me from any spiritual bondage. Reveal any hidden attacks or manipulations so that I may stand against them with Your strength. I ask for Your wisdom to discern Your will and Your power to walk in obedience to Your Word, which is my sword and my shield. Thank You for Your victory over the enemy and for Your promise that I am more than a conqueror through Him who loved me.
5. Prayer for Protection from Familiar Spirits
Heavenly Father, I come to You as my Shepherd, my protector, and my guide. I pray for protection against familiar spirits and any other demonic entities that seek to deceive, manipulate, or mislead me. I declare that my ears are tuned to Your voice alone, and I will not listen to the whispers of deception or the lies of the enemy. I ask You to seal my mind, my heart, and my spirit with Your truth, so that I may not be swayed by false prophecies or deceptive doctrines.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” – John 10:27 (NKJV)
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – 1 John 4:1 (NKJV)
Lord, I pray that You would expose any familiar spirits that may be operating in my life or around me, and grant me the discernment to recognize and reject their influence. Strengthen me to stand firm in Your Word and to rely on Your Holy Spirit for guidance. I commit myself to Your care, trusting that You will lead me in paths of righteousness and protect me from all harm. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for Your promise to never leave nor forsake me.
6. Prayer Against Demonic Attacks and Harassment
Sovereign Lord, I stand before You today, clothed in Your righteousness and armed with the full armor of God. I pray against all demonic attacks, harassment, and oppression that seek to disturb my peace and steal my joy. I declare that I am a child of the Most High God, and the enemy has no power over me because greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. I ask You to send Your mighty angels to bind the enemy and cast down every attack aimed at my mind, body, or spirit.
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” – Ephesians 6:13 (NKJV)
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
Lord, I pray for Your divine protection to surround me like a shield. Grant me courage and boldness to resist the devil, knowing that he will flee from me when I do. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I may walk in love, joy, peace, and righteousness, overpowering any darkness with Your glorious light. I trust in Your unfailing power to deliver me from all my troubles and to grant me victory in every battle.
7. Prayer for Wisdom to Discern Witchcraft
Father of wisdom, I acknowledge that all wisdom comes from You. I pray for Your divine discernment to recognize and understand any form of witchcraft or spiritual manipulation that may be directed towards me or my loved ones. Grant me the insight to see through deception, to identify the enemy’s tactics, and to understand the spiritual forces at play. Help me to distinguish between Your voice and the deceptive whispers of the enemy.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5 (NKJV)
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6 (NKJV)
Lord, I pray that You would open my spiritual eyes and ears to perceive Your truth and to reject all falsehoods. Equip me with the knowledge and understanding to stand firm against any spiritual attack. I ask for Your guidance in every decision I make, ensuring that my steps are ordered by You. Thank You for Your promise to grant wisdom to those who seek it diligently, and for Your faithfulness in leading me.
8. Prayer to Nullify Evil Decrees
Almighty God, I come before You as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, whose decrees are final and whose power is absolute. I pray against any evil decrees, pronouncements, or pronouncements of witchcraft that have been made against me, my family, or my destiny. I declare that Your divine will and Your righteous decrees are supreme and that all opposition will be nullified by Your power. I ask You to tear down every wicked plan and to scatter every gathering formed against Your purposes.
“The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.” – Psalm 103:19 (NKJV)
“The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.” – Psalm 33:11 (NKJV)
Lord, I pray that You would cancel every negative word spoken against me and replace it with Your blessings and Your promises. Let Your divine favor surround me like a shield, and let Your righteousness be my guide. I trust in Your sovereign power to override any evil intention and to establish Your perfect plan for my life. Thank You for Your unwavering authority and for Your promise that Your Word will not return void.
9. Prayer for Spiritual Covering and Shielding
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that You are my fortress and my strong tower. I pray for Your divine covering and shielding over my life, my family, my home, and all that belongs to me. I ask You to surround me with Your impenetrable shield of protection, deflecting all arrows of witchcraft, evil plots, and demonic attacks. Let Your presence be my constant defense and Your glory my rear guard.
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalm 91:1 (NKJV)
“For You, O Lord, are my defense and my refuge, my God, in whom I trust!” – Psalm 91:2 (NKJV)
Lord, I pray that Your angels would encamp around me and my loved ones, guarding us from all harm and danger. Let Your peace reign in my heart and mind, casting out all fear and anxiety. I declare that I am safe in Your hands, and no evil shall come near my dwelling. Thank You for Your constant protection and for Your promise to keep me in all my ways.
10. Prayer Against Sorcery and Divination
Omnipotent God, I stand on Your Word and declare that You alone are God, and there is no other. I pray against all forms of sorcery, divination, fortune-telling, and occult practices that seek to usurp Your authority or deceive Your people. I renounce any involvement, past or present, with such practices and ask for Your forgiveness and cleansing. I declare that my trust is in You alone, and I will not seek guidance or power from any other source.
“You shall not practice sorcery or divination.” – Leviticus 19:26 (NKJV)
“So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets. Then it happened, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.” – Joshua 6:20 (NKJV)
Lord, I pray for Your Holy Spirit to fill me with Your truth and Your power, so that I may stand against all deception. Expose any hidden practices of sorcery or divination that may be influencing my life or the lives of those around me. Grant me the wisdom to walk in Your ways and the courage to reject all forms of darkness. Thank You for Your light that dispels all shadows and for Your truth that sets us free.
11. Prayer for Freedom from Spiritual Manipulation
Loving Father, I come to You seeking freedom from any spiritual manipulation or control that seeks to bind my mind or influence my decisions. I declare that I am a free child of God, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and I will not be enslaved by any earthly or spiritual force. I ask You to break every chain of manipulation and to restore my mind and my will to Your perfect design.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” – Galatians 5:1 (NKJV)
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” – Luke 4:18 (NKJV)
Lord, I pray for Your Holy Spirit to enlighten my understanding and to grant me the discernment to recognize and resist any attempt to manipulate me. Strengthen me to make choices that align with Your will and Your Word. I trust in Your power to set me free and to keep me in perfect peace. Thank You for Your liberating grace and for Your promise of true freedom in Christ.
12. Prayer Against Curses of Poverty and Lack
Provider God, I acknowledge You as the source of all abundance and provision. I pray against any curses of poverty, lack, or financial hardship that may have been placed upon me or my family. I declare that I am blessed and highly favored, and that Your promises of prosperity and abundance are mine through Christ Jesus. I ask You to break every chain of financial bondage and to open the doors of opportunity and blessing in my life.
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)
“The thief does not come except to steal, to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10 (NKJV)
Lord, I pray for Your wisdom to manage the resources You provide and for Your guidance to walk in financial stewardship. Help me to be a generous giver and a faithful steward of all that You entrust to me. I trust in Your unfailing provision and Your promise to bless the work of my hands. Thank You for Your abundant grace and for Your desire to see me prosper in every area of my life.
13. Prayer Against Curses of Sickness and Disease
Healer God, I come to You as my ultimate physician and the source of all health and well-being. I pray against any curses of sickness, disease, or infirmity that have been placed upon me or my loved ones. I declare that by the stripes of Jesus, I am healed, and disease has no hold on my body. I ask You to break every chain of sickness and to restore my health completely, according to Your perfect will.
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song I will praise Him.” – Psalm 28:7 (NKJV)
Lord, I pray for Your divine intervention to cleanse my body from all sickness and disease. Fill me with Your life-giving Spirit and empower me to live a healthy and vibrant life that honors You. I trust in Your healing power and Your promise to restore my health and strength. Thank You for Your sacrifice that has made complete healing available to me.
14. Prayer Against Curses of Confusion and Mental Oppression
God of clarity, I come to You seeking peace for my mind and clarity for my thoughts. I pray against any curses of confusion, mental oppression, anxiety, or fear that have been directed towards me. I declare that my mind is renewed by the Holy Spirit and is focused on Your truth. I ask You to break every chain of mental bondage and to fill me with Your perfect peace that surpasses all understanding.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” – Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)
Lord, I pray for Your divine intervention to calm my thoughts and to bring order to my mind. Help me to focus on Your promises and Your Word, casting down every anxious thought and every deceptive imagination. I trust in Your power to grant me mental freedom and to renew my mind with Your truth. Thank You for Your peace that guards my heart and my mind.
15. Prayer Against Curses of Marital Strife and Family Discord
Father of love, I come to You seeking Your divine intervention in my marriage and family relationships. I pray against any curses of marital strife, discord, arguments, or division that have been placed upon my home. I declare that my marriage and family are covered by the blood of Jesus and are established on the foundation of Your love and truth. I ask You to break every chain of conflict and to restore peace, unity, and harmony in my household.
“A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NKJV)
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” – Ephesians 5:25 (NKJV)
Lord, I pray for Your Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of my family members, fostering love, forgiveness, and understanding. Grant us the wisdom to communicate effectively and the grace to resolve conflicts peacefully. I trust in Your power to build strong, resilient, and God-honoring relationships within my home. Thank You for Your commitment to unity and for Your promise to bless families that honor You.
16. Prayer Against Curses of Barrenness and Fruitlessness
God of creation, I come to You acknowledging that You are the source of all life and fruitfulness. I pray against any curses of barrenness, infertility, or fruitlessness in any area of my life – whether it be in relationships, career, ministry, or personal growth. I declare that I am planted in Your house and will flourish in Your courts, bearing much fruit that will last. I ask You to break every chain of unfruitfulness and to bless me with abundance and purpose.
“He shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water, that gives its fruit in its season, and whose leaf will not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” – Psalm 1:3 (NKJV)
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5 (NKJV)
Lord, I pray for Your Spirit to empower me to live a life of purpose and impact. Guide me in Your paths and grant me opportunities to be fruitful in all that I do. I trust in Your ability to bring forth life and abundance in every area where dryness or barrenness may have existed. Thank You for Your promise of a life filled with purpose and lasting impact.
17. Prayer Against Curses of Failure and Stagnation
God of progress, I come to You seeking Your divine favor and advancement in all aspects of my life. I pray against any curses of failure, stagnation, or setbacks that have been placed upon me. I declare that my steps are ordered by You, and I am destined for success and progress in all that I set my hand to do. I ask You to break every chain of limitation and to propel me forward into the destiny You have planned.
“For the Lord your God will bless you in all the work of your hands, in all that you undertake. Your eyes shall not be diminished, nor your hope faded, because the Lord your God is with you.” – Deuteronomy 10:12 (NKJV)
“But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.” – Proverbs 4:18 (NKJV)
Lord, I pray for Your wisdom and strength to overcome every obstacle and to achieve the goals You have set before me. Grant me the perseverance to keep moving forward, even in the face of challenges. I trust in Your power to bring me to success and to fulfill Your promises in my life. Thank You for Your guidance and for Your unfailing support in my journey.
18. Prayer Against Curses of Demonic Possession
Sovereign Lord, I stand in the authority of Jesus Christ, who has conquered all demonic powers. I pray against any attempt by demonic forces to possess or control me or my loved ones. I declare that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and no evil entity has any right or claim over me. I ask You to cast out any demonic presence and to fill me completely with Your Holy Spirit.
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7 (NKJV)
“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;” – Mark 16:17 (NKJV)
Lord, I pray for Your divine protection to seal me from any further demonic influence. Strengthen me to stand firm in Your Word and to resist all temptation. I trust in Your power to deliver me from all evil and to keep me safe under Your care. Thank You for Your victory over the enemy and for Your promise of complete freedom in Christ.
19. Prayer for Divine Intervention Against Witchcraft Plots
Almighty God, I acknowledge Your sovereign power over all earthly and spiritual matters. I pray for Your direct divine intervention against any witchcraft plots or schemes that have been devised against me or my loved ones. I ask You to thwart every evil plan, to confuse the enemy’s communication, and to turn their wicked intentions back upon themselves. Let Your justice prevail and Your purposes be established.
“The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the schemes of the peoples.” – Psalm 33:10 (NKJV)
“For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?” – Isaiah 14:27 (NKJV)
Lord, I pray for Your mighty hand to move in my situation, bringing about Your perfect will and Your divine solution. Grant me the faith to believe that You are working all things for my good, even when I cannot see it. I trust in Your power to overcome any obstacle and to bring about a victorious outcome. Thank You for Your constant watchfulness and for Your promise to defend me.
20. Prayer for Peace and Rest in God’s Protection
Loving Father, in the midst of spiritual battles, I come to You seeking Your peace and rest. I pray that Your presence would envelop me, bringing a deep sense of calm and security. I declare that I am safe in Your arms, and I can rest in the knowledge that You are fighting my battles. I ask You to grant me peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding my heart and my mind from any lingering fear or anxiety.
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27 (NKJV)
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)
Lord, I commit myself and my loved ones into Your loving care. Help me to trust completely in Your protection and to find my rest in Your unfailing love. May Your peace reign in my life, allowing me to live with joy and confidence, knowing that You are my ever-present help and my mighty protector. Thank You for Your promise of peace and for Your constant presence that reassures me.
Conclusion
The journey through life often presents challenges that test our faith and resilience. In the face of spiritual opposition, such as the insidious nature of witchcraft, prayer emerges not as a last resort, but as a primary and powerful tool for the believer. These prayers, rooted in the unshakeable Word of God, are more than just words; they are a declaration of faith, a surrender to divine authority, and a potent force against the darkness. By engaging in these devotional practices, we are reminded that our strength does not come from human might or intellect, but from the Almighty God who equips us for every spiritual battle.
Each prayer offered is a testament to the profound spiritual significance of drawing near to God. They serve to realign our focus, shifting our gaze from the perceived power of the enemy to the omnipotent power of our Heavenly Father. When we pray against curses, spells, and demonic influences, we are actively participating in the spiritual warfare that the Bible speaks of, armed with the truth and the authority granted to us through Christ Jesus. This act of prayer is a sacred conversation, a deeply personal and sincere appeal to a God who hears every whisper of our hearts and responds with unwavering love and faithfulness.
As you continue to walk in faith, let these prayers be a source of ongoing encouragement and a practical guide for fortifying your spiritual defenses. Remember that consistent prayer is the bedrock of a victorious Christian life. It is through this consistent communion with God that we build an unshakeable foundation of trust, allowing His peace to guard our hearts and minds. Embrace the power that lies within your prayer life, knowing that you are never alone. God is your protector, your deliverer, and your ever-present help. Lean into His strength, trust in His promises, and live in the assurance of His divine covering, for He has promised to be with you always, until the very end of the age.
