Impure thoughts during prayer

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matjam

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I have watched porn and used to masturbate earlier. I didn’t have an active prayer life then. But recently I decided firmly to lead a life with chastity. I stopped watching porn and masturbation. Started praying daily (Divine mercy chaplet, Rosary) and attending holy mass. Now during prayer, I occasionally get creepy impure thoughts. I feel so bad then, but I force myself into completing the prayer. Isn’t this a work of the devil? Can you guide me on how to handle this situation? I want Jesus and mother Mary in my life.
 
When you get such a thought, you need to immediately mentally yell “Stop!” , ask Jesus, Mary, Joseph and St. Michael to protect you, and toss the thought out of your head. Picture yourself with a broom knocking it out the door, or throwing it away from you the length of a football field. Then go back to praying.

Find a visual aid that you can put in front of you that will totally turn off your sex drive to look at it. Many of us who were raised Catholic cannot keep an impure thought in mind simultaneously with a thought about Jesus on the Cross, or our elderly devout nun teachers or grandmas, or whatever other thought works for you to immediately turn off the urge. Picture yourself as a powerful soldier with a sword slaying demons of impure thoughts. Then just go back to praying. It will get easier and easier.
 
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I’m living a life of chastity as well at still a relatively young age. I must admit it is very hard. Sometimes sexual thoughts pop into my head at almost like an impulse. But I really try not to Entertain them.
 
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Some mystics were known to be tempted with impure thoughts during prayer.

The recommendation is to let the thought go and return to the focus of your intention, which is praying in the presence of God.

We’re human beings, not birdbath statues. 😉

Jim
 
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