Avoiding or resiting Temptation: Masturbation

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anruari

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Tips needed.

Im in my mid 30’s. I’ve struggled against this habitual sin since my early teenage years. Things are much better now… but I am still nowhere near rid of this addiction.

I often feel strongly tempted, not in a lustful way but as a almost purely physical reaction. I get a strongly physical feeling which is very hard not to react to and fighting against it leads to the “resistance is futile” problem of negative suggestion.
but due to the after effects of earlier habits this feeling can develop in totally not sexual situations… particularly when I’m spending time studying or reading… especially when sustained mental effort is needed. Other times when I’m doing physical work. - Yes there’s a strong stress response involved.

I have tried “Praying my way through”. What I dislike most about this is the problem that when I fail to distract myself and then fail to resist the temptation I have turned a possibly venial sin into one which has been committed in the face of an awareness of Gods Presence and displeasure.

So my question is: How do I properly distract myself. - especially from a physical sensation (in my case it’s like a feeling of pressure inside my groin region - not always accompanied by an erection).

things that help: making sure my bladder & bowel have been emptied… not letting pressure build up in either.
but that’s not always enough.

Not being in private: but that’s not always possible.

I would say that for me, this is not strongly related to impure thoughts, pornography or other common sources of temptation - working on maths or science problems can be a problem if I’m on my own. (I’m not saying I never feel tempted by those - but they’re not habitual).
 
I developed a “visual prayer”…After all, if we can “visualize” toward lust - why not “visualize” away from it…
So I prayed, “Father, take me to the foot of the cross”, and then began thinking, visualizing myself there. Gazing on the scene of teh one who died for my sins.
Hot, dry, dusty day.
The foot of the cross buried in the ground.
The wood of the cross stained black from blood and sweat.
The feet of our Lord.
Filthy and stained and dripping blood and sweat.
I did this - I put Him there - Not alone - but I helped.
Every time I sin, it is increases His pain.
If I refrain, it eases His pain.
Feel the heat of that day, the dryness of the air.
How thirsty He is…
…and so on…

How could I possibly sin while standing at the foot of the cross.

Peace
James
 
Prayer Against the Sins of the Flesh:
Jesus said this to a visionary:

(“Do you know that I was naked in the sight of all men so that you shall defeat and kill the desires of the flesh which lead to this sin of fornication and adultery? Children, my adversary used this sin to claim all men to himself — Any sinner who constantly prays this prayer will gain true repentance — The more you pray it the more many will return to me and leave fornication and adultery. Many people will be lost due to the sins of the flesh. Work hard to save souls —”)
…

Prayer:
Holy and Merciful Father, Your only-begotten Son is standing naked in the sight of all men, so that Your people will know and fear Your Holy Law. Accept my humble prayer for all Your people who are living under iniquity, fornication and adultery, that through all the shame and disgrace of Your only-begotten Son, You will touch their lives for repentance and save them. May they, through the Precious Blood of Your Son Jesus Christ, which I plead to fall on their hearts, gain repentance and be saved and through His shame make them bold for repentance. Amen.

Think of Jesus who was naked on the cross dying,bleeding,scourged,wounded,and his skin torn and shred to pieces and exposing bones.He died because of our sins,and most importantly because he loved us all.
 
Even watching porn without masturbating is still a sin,because you are giving into temptation which is viewing the sins of the flesh.
 
Prayer to take Authority:

IN THE NAME OF JESUS, I TAKE AUTHORITY AND I BIND ALL THE POWERS AND FORCES IN THE AIR, IN THE GROUND, IN THE WATER, IN THE UNDERGROUND, IN THE NETHERWORLD, IN NATURE AND IN FIRE. YOU ARE THE LORD OVER THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE AND I GIVE YOU THE GLORY FOR YOUR CREATION. IN YOUR NAME, I BIND ALL DEMONIC FORCES THAT HAVE COME AGAINST US AND OUR FAMILIES AND I SEAL ALL OF US IN THE PROTECTION OF YOUR PRECIOUS BLOOD THAT WAS SHED FOR US ON THE CROSS.

MARY OUR MOTHER, WE SEEK YOUR PROTECTION AND INTERCESSION, WITH THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS, FOR US AND OUR FAMILIES AND SURROUND US WITH YOUR MANTLE OF LOVE TO DISCOURAGE THE ENEMY.

ST. MICHAEL AND OUR GUARDIAN ANGELS, COME DEFEND US AND OUR FAMILIES IN BATTLE AGAINST ALL THE EVIL ONES THAT ROAM THE EARTH.

IN THE NAME OF JESUS, I BIND AND COMMAND ALL THE POWERS AND FORCES OF EVIL TO DEPART RIGHT NOW AWAY FROM US, OUR FAMILIES, OUR HOMES, AND OUR LANDS AND I CAST YOU AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS TO REMAIN THERE FOREVER. AND I THANK YOU LORD JESUS FOR YOU ARE A FAITHFUL AND COMPASSIONATE GOD, AMEN.
 
PRAYER TO THE PRECIOUS BLOOD

LORD Jesus by faith in Your merits,
I now take Your Precious Blood
and sprinkle it over myself and my family
right from the crown of my head to the very soles of my feet.
I claim total and complete protection for my life and my family.
Lord Jesus, keep me free today from evil, sin, temptation,
Satan’s attacks and afflictions,
fear of darkness, fear of man,
sickness, diseases, doubts, anger, all calamities
and from all that is not of Your Kingdom.

Fill me Lord Jesus with the gifts of Your Holy Spirit
and grant me the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, faith, understanding and discernment, so that I will live today in Your Glory by doing what is right.

I praise You Jesus, I thank You Jesus,

I love You Jesus, I adore You Jesus.
 
You are made in the Image of God,and your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.Everyday say this ‘‘Jesus is the Lord of my life’’ ‘‘And No evil forces has power over me.’’ ‘‘Jesus is my protector and defender,Jesus is my God and in Him I Trust.’’

Also say this, take your full name first then say ‘‘my name is written in the Book of Salvation by my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’’

Always Claim Jesus as your Lord,because Satan hates when you invoke Jesus as Lord.Also before getting tempted think of Jesus naked on the cross and say ‘‘Most Precious Blood of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ quench the flames of my lust’’
 
Prayer of Salvation (Renew Faith in Jesus Christ)
Lord Jesus come into my heart. I desire that you be the Lord of my life, so that I may be a Child of the Light, to know you as my personal Savior- for I know and believe that you died on the cross for my sings. You rose again from the dead on the third day and you are coming again in glory.
I believe in your forgiveness and I desire that You help me to refrain from any temptations that would keep me separated from Your everlasting love. Amen
Reply With Quote
 
Rosary of Liberation
You are recommended to recite the Rosary of Liberation for experiencing deliverance from various bondages like sin, satanic powers, bad habits, financial crisis, family problems etc., It is said in the Bible " She will bear a Son, and you shall call his name JESUS, for He will SAVE His people from their sins".( Matthew 1:21) Jesus is the Saviour. Therefore the name Jesus is not a noun form alone, it is also a verb denoting an action which means when you utter the name JESUS you are proclaiming and praying “God save me and all others from our sins”.
Jesus said “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is slave to sin. The slave doesn’t continue in the house forever; the Son continues forever. So, If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed”. (John 8:34-36)
"As He drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing the multitude going by he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by”. And he cried "Jesus. Son of David, have mercy on me……. and Jesus said to him “Receive you sight; your faith has made you well”. And immediately he received his sight and followed him glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it gave praise to God. (Luke 18: 35-43)

When we recite the Rosary of liberation, claim the promise of Jesus as we see in the Bible.
Jesus is the Saviour (Matthew 1:21)
Jesus is the Healer (Mark 1: 32-34)
He is the Liberator (John 8:36)
Jesus is the God of Mercy (Luke 18:38)
Jesus said “Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you”. (Matthew 7:7)
I claim this promise and say…………
1.Recite the Apostle’s Creed at the Triangle of the Rosary
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven and seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
2. Recite the following in place of the Hail Mary
Jesus have mercy on me
Jesus heal me
Jesus save me
Jesus free me
3. Recite the following in place of the Our Father
If Jesus makes me free
I will be free indeed
4. Recite the Hail Holy Queen
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy. Hail, our life, or sweetness, and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us and after this, our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
If you are praying for a special person replace “me” in the prayer with the name of the “person you are praying for”.
After praying the Rosary of Liberation completely give thanks to Jesus for the Blessings that H is pouring over you and for those for whom you are interceding.
Before interceding for anybody you have to pray for yourself.
 
ARMOR OF GOD

Good Morning, Father! Good Morning, Jesus! Good Morning, Holy Spirit!

Today Heavenly Father, according to Your Word, I present my body a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable in Your sight. Because I am not contending against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, world rulers of this present darkness and spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places, I take the whole armor of God so that I may be able to withstand in the evil day. So today I stand and gird my loins with truth. I put on the breastplate of righteousness. I shod my feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all these, I take the shield of faith to quench ALL the flaming darts of the evil one. I take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. I pray at ALL times in the Spirit with ALL prayer and supplication for ALL God’s family and for me that I may open my mouth boldly TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL. The weapons of my warfare are not worldly but have divine power to destroy strongholds. Today I destroy arguments and EVERY proud obstacle to the knowledge of God and take EVERY thought captive to OBEY Christ. Thank you, Father, that according to Your Word the glory of the Lord is my rear guard. I praise You and thank You for the armor of light You’ve provided for me this day. I am completely covered now. Upon Jesus I have built my life. The gates of hell shall not prevail against me. Jesus, I apply Your Precious Blood to my life, my family, my home, and all my possessions. You are my Shepherd and I shall not want. For You have supplied ALL my needs according to Your riches in glory. I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. I praise You for walking in divine health, for You are my God who heals ALL my diseases. I praise You and thank You for my prosperity and good health even as my soul prospers. For the joy of the Lord is my strength. Father, I have prayed according to Your Word. You said You would watch over Your Word to perform it. I am reminded that every word spoken becomes a living thing - either to minister life or death and destruction. Lord Jesus, let my meditation be sweet to You as I will rejoice in You all day. Just rise up and live big within me. For I am Yours and You are mine in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen
 
God Bless You and Make Jesus the Lord of Your Life Always and Forever.When temptation comes near you,look or think of Our Lord Jesus Christ on cross who was naked,bruised,scourged,blood covering his body as he died for our sins,because he loves everyone in the world.
 
JRKH said:
I developed a “visual prayer”…After all, if we can “visualize” toward lust - why not “visualize” away from it…
So I prayed, “Father, take me to the foot of the cross”, and then began thinking, visualizing myself there. Gazing on the scene of teh one who died for my sins.
Hot, dry, dusty day.
The foot of the cross buried in the ground.
The wood of the cross stained black from blood and sweat.
The feet of our Lord.
Filthy and stained and dripping blood and sweat.
I did this - I put Him there - Not alone - but I helped.
Every time I sin, it is increases His pain.
If I refrain, it eases His pain.
Feel the heat of that day, the dryness of the air.
How thirsty He is…
…and so on…

How could I possibly sin while standing at the foot of the cross.

Peace
James
Click to expand...
Wow. That is amazing. I will try that myself from now on. Thank you for the idea.
 
In addition to the prayers, there is one act you can do…and I’m perfectly serious…to stop the urge cold.

Take a cold shower.

Not a cool shower, not a very cool shower, but an ice-cold shower. Stay in there as long as you can. Think about masturbating while you’re taking the ice cold shower, that may help with negative reinforcement association.

Guaranteed to work every time. No joke.
 
anruari said:
Tips needed.

Im in my mid 30’s. I’ve struggled against this habitual sin since my early teenage years. Things are much better now… but I am still nowhere near rid of this addiction.

I often feel strongly tempted, not in a lustful way but as a almost purely physical reaction. I get a strongly physical feeling which is very hard not to react to and fighting against it leads to the “resistance is futile” problem of negative suggestion.
but due to the after effects of earlier habits this feeling can develop in totally not sexual situations… particularly when I’m spending time studying or reading… especially when sustained mental effort is needed. Other times when I’m doing physical work. - Yes there’s a strong stress response involved.

I have tried “Praying my way through”. What I dislike most about this is the problem that when I fail to distract myself and then fail to resist the temptation I have turned a possibly venial sin into one which has been committed in the face of an awareness of Gods Presence and displeasure.

So my question is: How do I properly distract myself. - especially from a physical sensation (in my case it’s like a feeling of pressure inside my groin region - not always accompanied by an erection).

things that help: making sure my bladder & bowel have been emptied… not letting pressure build up in either.
but that’s not always enough.

Not being in private: but that’s not always possible.

I would say that for me, this is not strongly related to impure thoughts, pornography or other common sources of temptation - working on maths or science problems can be a problem if I’m on my own. (I’m not saying I never feel tempted by those - but they’re not habitual).
Click to expand...
This sounds a lot like the problems I have. Whenever I’m required to think hard and under a lot of pressure, I have the intense urge to masturbate. Or even when I’m nervous.

Also, this has been the case with me since I’ve been a very small child. I’ve always fantasized about sexuality as I lay in bed and it always seemed to put me to sleep. I’ve been doing this since I was about 5 years old, not kidding. Now that I try to sleep normally without doing that, I have some trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

However, a small tip that may or may not work for you (but seems to have quite a bit of success with me for the time being) is to keep a busy schedule and to tire yourself out completely. I train grappling right after work for about 2 hours with high intensity. After that, I’m not in the mood physically or mentally to do anything sexual, I just want to eat dinner and try to fall asleep.
 
I would like to add a few things which helped me overcome this addiction. Unfortunately they’re mostly connected with impure thoughts (which, as you mentioned, are not always the case), which were my main problem but perhaps you’ll find some of my pieces of advice useful. I may use euphemisms in my post. Some of these pieces of advice are based on my experience.

Firstly, if you are tempted to masturbate when you’re taking a shower (which is very common although you haven’t mentioned it) - sing something aloud. Try to focus on the words, otherwise your thoughts may wander to tempting things again. Making the water cooler (about 20% cooler should be sufficient) also works. And who knows, maybe singing aloud could help you outside the shower as well? I’ve never done it, but it is worth trying (don’t forget to focus on lyrics)

Secondly, negative reinforcement is also a great idea. You should probably find your own way of discouraging yourself from masturbating using negative reinforcement. Perhaps other members could share their own methods.

Thirdly, whenever impure thoughts appear in my mind when I’m trying to fall asleep, I immidiately open my eyes and it distracts me every time. I also immidiately think “God, have mercy on me, the sinner”. It’s not really any prayer but it helps me.

What is more, as one of the posters already mentioned, keeping a busy schedule is also a way to go. Another one of my ideas (unfortunately, again, not tested) is to make some kind of exhausting excercise whenever you feel an urge to masturbate. I guess that several push-ups should help. I actually think that this might be the best solution, so at least try it.

Finally, I started overcoming the addiction with setting myself some “goals”. I started with 2 weeks of not masturbating and then I increased it to one month etc. You should probably give yourself some kind of a “prize” for enduring the challenge.

Using some of these tricks (+everyday prayer, of course) really helped me to overcome the addiction. I hope that you’ll find at least some of them helpful, and if you don’t, that somebody else reading this thread who is in the similar situation will. I will pray for you and I hope that other CAF members will do the same.
 
anruari said:
Tips needed.

Im in my mid 30’s. I’ve struggled against this habitual sin since my early teenage years. Things are much better now… but I am still nowhere near rid of this addiction.

I often feel strongly tempted, not in a lustful way but as a almost purely physical reaction. I get a strongly physical feeling which is very hard not to react to and fighting against it leads to the “resistance is futile” problem of negative suggestion.
but due to the after effects of earlier habits this feeling can develop in totally not sexual situations… particularly when I’m spending time studying or reading… especially when sustained mental effort is needed. Other times when I’m doing physical work. - Yes there’s a strong stress response involved.

I have tried “Praying my way through”. What I dislike most about this is the problem that when I fail to distract myself and then fail to resist the temptation I have turned a possibly venial sin into one which has been committed in the face of an awareness of Gods Presence and displeasure.

So my question is: How do I properly distract myself. - especially from a physical sensation (in my case it’s like a feeling of pressure inside my groin region - not always accompanied by an erection).

things that help: making sure my bladder & bowel have been emptied… not letting pressure build up in either.
but that’s not always enough.

Not being in private: but that’s not always possible.

I would say that for me, this is not strongly related to impure thoughts, pornography or other common sources of temptation - working on maths or science problems can be a problem if I’m on my own. (I’m not saying I never feel tempted by those - but they’re not habitual).
Click to expand...
I know things are different for guys, but I struggled with this for years as well. What helped me stop, and helps me in moments of temptations are, like you said, distraction. Sometimes the prayer is just giving it to God and then distracting myself by running an errand, playing a game, reading a really entertaining book, cleaning, etc. What I find did NOT help was dwelling on my weakness or excessive “praying.” I put praying in quotation marks because I wonder if I was really praying or simply focusing on the sin. You need to pray! And pray especially in the moments of temptation… but you might want to talk to a spiritual director on how to pray during these moments. I realized that when I was praying, I was obsessively asking God to take the temptation from me, but in doing so, I was filled with anxiety and dwelling on the temptation, which made things harder. For me now, I acknowledge that I’m having the temptation and I try and distract myself with good things and focus on good things. So, I try to focus outside myself rather than on the struggle.
 
An awful thing about this addiction is that it can turn prolonged prayer into a near occasion of sin, because it’s easy for your mind to wander. And I’m sure you know as well as I do what happens when an addicted man’s mind is left to wander.

Pray often, and sincerely, but make sure you’re focused. If you can’t focus, do something else.

The cold shower idea is good. It takes will power to throw yourself naked into cold water; it may be a great exercise for your will.

The biggest piece of advice I can give is: as much as humanly possible, don’t think about it. Simple, but very difficult (like Catholic morality in general). Obviously, while in a state of grace this means distracting yourself, which you understand. But just as important, don’t think about it once you have fallen. Think, which runner does better: the one who stumbles but keeps running as if nothing had happened, or the one who stumbles and sits and nurses his wounds? Don’t let falling into sin discourage you or keep you from fighting with all your soul.

It is a very hard road my friend, and a sickness which has led to the death of manhood. But if you will take it, Christ will make you victorious, and you will be a true man in this decaying world.
 
Glad to hear that you are actively fighting.

A priest once said to me many years ago as I was making strides against pornography, “Starve a habit, and it will die.” This turned out to be true for me. If you succeed in denying these very stubborn physical urges, they will eventually go away.

Pray, receive the sacraments, foster your relationship with the Blessed Mother, and you will eventually conquer this.
 
CHAPTER 13 – On Resisting Temptations [The Imitation of Christ]

So long as we live in this world, we cannot remain without trial and temptation: as Job says, “Man’s life on earth is a warfare.” We must therefore be on guard against temptations, and watchful in prayer, that the Devil find no means of deceiving us; for he never rests, but prowls around seeking whom he may devour. No one is so perfect and holy that he is never tempted, and we can never be secure from temptation.

Although temptations are so troublesome and grievous, yet they are often profitable to us, for by them we are humbled, cleansed, and instructed. All the Saints endured manly trials and temptations, and profited by them; but those who could not resist temptations became reprobate, and fell away. There is no Order so holy, nor place so secluded, where there are no troubles and temptations.

No man can be entirely free from temptation so long as he lives; for the source of temptation lies within our own nature, since we are born with an inclination towards evil. When one temptation or trial draws to a close, another takes its place; and we shall always have something to fight, for man has lost the blessing of original happiness. Many try to escape temptations, only to encounter them more fiercely, for no one can win victory by flight alone; it is only by patience and true humility that we can grow stronger than all our foes.

The man who only avoids the outward occasions of evil, but fails to uproot it in himself, will gain little advantage. Indeed, temptations will return upon him the sooner, and he will find himself in a worse state than before. Little by little and by patient endurance you will overcome them by God’s help, better than by your own violence and importunity. Seek regular advice in temptation, and never deal harshly with those who are tempted, but give them such encouragement as you would value yourself.

The beginning of all evil temptation is an unstable mind and lack of trust in God. Just as a ship without a helm is driven to and fro by the waves, so a careless man, who abandons his proper course, is tempted in countless ways. Fire tempers steel, and temptation the just man. We often do not know what we can bear, but temptation reveals our true nature. We need especially to be on our guard at the very onset of temptation, for then the Enemy may be more easily overcome, if he is not allowed to enter the gates of the mind: he must be repulsed at the threshold, as soon as he knocks. Thus the poet Ovid writes, “Resist at the beginning; the remedy may come too late.” For first there comes into the mind an evil thought: next, a vivid picture: then delight, and urge to evil, and finally consent. In this way the Enemy gradually gains complete mastery, when he is not resisted at first. And the longer a slothful man delays resistance, the weaker he becomes, and the stronger his enemy grows against him.

Some people undergo their heaviest temptations at the beginning of their conversion; some towards the end of their course; others are greatly troubled all their lives; while there are some whose temptations are but light. This is in accordance with the wisdom and justice of God’s ordinance, who weighs the condition and merits of every man, and disposes all things for the salvation of those whom He chooses.

We must not despair, therefore, when we are tempted, but earnestly pray God to grant us his help in every need. For, as Saint Paul says, “With the temptation, God will provide a way to overcome it, that we may be able to bear bear it.” So, let us humble ourselves under the hand of God, in every trial and trouble, for He will save and raise up the humble in Spirit. In all these trials, our progress is tested; in them great merit may be secured, and our virtue become evident. It is no great matter if we are devout and fervent when we have no troubles; but if we show patience in adversity, we can make great progress in virtue. Some are spared severe temptations, but are overcome in the lesser ones of every day, in order that they may be humble, and learn not to trust in themselves, but to recognize their frailty.
 
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