Prayers for Chasity. HELP

[Anon129089]

I have been struggling with an addiction with internet porn for over 10 years now. No matter what I try i cant break free. I am really beginning to wonder if at this point I am possessed (I am usually the last one to claim that anyone is possessed). Please pray for me. That I put myself into a position that I can receive the graces that God has for me. That I can finally walk free, and not be bound to this sin anymore

 

[tawny]

I have been struggling with an addiction with internet porn for over 10 years now. No matter what I try i cant break free. I am really beginning to wonder if at this point I am possessed (I am usually the last one to claim that anyone is possessed). Please pray for me. That I put myself into a position that I can receive the graces that God has for me. That I can finally walk free, and not be bound to this sin anymore

Praying to the Holy Spirit to give you strength & fortitude to overcome your temptations.

 

[Furius]

My heart cries for you, Anon. We live in an age where temptation sits right there on a computer desk or laptops in our laps.

I will pray for you, brother. We men must look to our chaste Mother in Heaven, ever virgin, for guidance, and let the healing power of Christ’s grace change us. Let us persevere. And the beauty of the Faith is that we never have to do it alone. We, in the family of God, help each other, pray for one another, and offer good council.

I will pray for you and think of you as I stand in line for Confession, hoping you are out there as well waiting to be absolved.

 

[josh987654321]

I have been struggling with an addiction with internet porn for over 10 years now. No matter what I try i cant break free. I am really beginning to wonder if at this point I am possessed (I am usually the last one to claim that anyone is possessed). Please pray for me. That I put myself into a position that I can receive the graces that God has for me. That I can finally walk free, and not be bound to this sin anymore

Please try these motivational tips, I believe they will help you greatly in overcoming this, remember to overcome this is within your power, don’t let the evil one decieve you by telling you otherwise.

Motivational Tips to Help You Quit -

Keep the following 3 Ds in mind when you have a craving

Delay: remember that the worst cravings last for only a few minutes and will become even less frequent the longer you have quit.

Deep breath: this should help you relax and focus your mind on something else.

Do something else: you could watch a movie or listen to music.

1) A slip up doesn’t mean you’ve failed. What’s important is to work out how you can stop a slip up from happening next time.

2) Don’t say “this is my last time” say “I’m not going to give in today” and take one day at a time.
**
3) **Each craving only lasts a few minutes. Don’t let this be the day that you blow it.

**4) Once you have quit for a while, the desires to give in will be much less intense and frequent and remember, the worst cravings only last a few minutes, so remember the 3 D’s above (Delay, Deep Breathe, Do somthing else).
**
5) It’s important that it’s your decision to quit. That you want to quit and that you feel confident you can succeed.

6) Be clear about your reason to quit. It will motivate you to keep going.

7) The most dangerous thought you can have is. I will just give in this one time.

8) You may feel as if you have just lost a friend, but really you have just lost your worst enemy.

9) Remember the sooner you quit. The sooner you will reap the benefits.

10) The more times you try to quit. The better you will get at it until you quit for good.

11) Immediately get rid of any provocative magazines/images etc anything that reminds you of giving in.

**12) **Practise saying to yourself “No thanks, I’m chaste”

**13) **Avoid challanging occassions where there may be provocative images.

**14) **If you are feeling tense Exercise, lift some weights, take a walk or go for a jog.

**15) **The most common quitting method for most people is to stop suddenly Go cold turkey.

**16) **When you quit you might feel some different withdrawl symptoms This is because your body is re-adjusting to being without, it will pass.

When it comes to such desires, I believe they are addictive in nature much the same as things like smoking are, so if you view it as an addiction like smoking, I believe there are dozens of very, very affective resources out there to help you quit. Remember the worst cravings only last a few minutes and they become less intense and frequent the longer you have quit, take one day at a time and tell yourself “don’t let this be the day that you blow it.”

I believe this site has a good Q&A - chastity.org/

Quit smoking ad: Never give up giving up - youtube.com/watch?v=FQpcK5gL5W8

Never Give up Giving Up - quit.org.au/keep-quitting/

Please continue to next post -

 

[josh987654321]

Continued from above post -
C.S. Lewis:

For me the real evil of masturbation would be that it takes an appetite which, in lawful use, leads the individual out of himself to complete (and correct) his own personality in that of another (and finally in children and even grandchildren) and turns it back; sends the man back into the prison of himself, there to keep a harem of imaginary brides.

And this harem, once admitted, works against his ever getting out and really uniting with a real woman.

For the harem is always accessible, always subservient, calls for no sacrifices or adjustments, and can be endowed with erotic and psychological attractions which no woman can rival.

Among those shadowy brides he is always adored, always the perfect lover; no demand is made on his unselfishness, no mortification ever imposed on his vanity.

In the end, they become merely the medium through which he increasingly adores himself…After all, almost the main work of life is to come out of our selves, out of the little dark prison we are all born in. Masturbation is to be avoided as all things are to be avoided which retard this process. The danger is that of coming to love the prison.”

Extract from the book 'Imitation of Christ' by Thomas A Kempis:

The Voice of Christ -

My Child, you are not yet a brave and wise lover.

The Disciple -

Why, Lord?

The Voice of Christ -

**Because, on account of a slight difficulty you give up what you have undertaken and are too eager to seek consolation.

The brave lover stands firm in temptations and pays no heed to the crafty persuasions of the enemy. As I please him in prosperity, so in adversity I am not displeasing to him. The wise lover regards not so much the gift of Him who loves as the love of Him who gives. He regards the affection of the Giver rather than the value of the gift, and sets his beloved above all gifts. The noble lover does not rest in the gift but in Me Who am above every gift.

All is not lost , then, if you sometimes feel less devout than you wish toward Me or My saints. That good and sweet feeling which you sometimes have is the effect of present grace and a certain fortaste of your heavenly home. You must not lean upon it too much, because it comes and goes. But to fight against evil thoughts which attack you is a sign of virtue and great merit. Do not, therefore, let strange fantasies disturb you, no matter what they concern. Hold strongly to your resolution and keep a right intention toward God.

It is not an illusion that you are sometimes rapt in ecstacy and then quickly returned to the usual follies of your heart. For these are evils which you suffer rather than commit; and so long as they displease you and you struggle against them, it is a matter of merit and not a loss.

You must know that the old enemy tries by all means in his power to hinder your desire for good and to turn you from every devotional practice, especially from the veneration of the saints, from devout meditation on My passion, and from your firm purpose of advancing in virtue. He suggests many evil thoughts that he may cause you weariness and horror, and thus draw you away from prayer and holy reading. A humble confession displeases him and, if he could, he would make you omit Holy Communion.

Do not believe him or heed him, even though he often sets traps to decieve you. When he suggests evil, unclean things, accuse him. Say to him: “Away, unclean spirit! Shame, miserable creature! You are but filth to bring such things to my ears. Begone, most wretched seducer! You shall have no part in me, for Jesus will be my strength, and you shall be confounded. I would rather die and suffer all torments than consent to you. Be still! Be silent! Though you bring many troubles upon me I will have none of you. The Lord is my light, my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Though armies unite against me, my heart will not fear, for the Lord is my Helper, my Redeemer.”

Fight like a good soldier and if you sometimes fall through weakness, rise again with greater strength than before, trusting in My most abundant grace. But beware of vain comlacency and pride. For many are led into error through these faults and sometimes fall into almost perpetual blindness. Let the fall of these, who proudly presume on self, be a warning to you and a constant incentive to humility.**

God Bless

Thank you for reading
Josh

 

[wild_thing]

My God, You have given me a body to keep pure and clean and healthy for Your service and my eternal happiness. Forgive me for all my unfaithfulness in this great responsibility. Forgive me for every mean use which I have made of Your gifts in thought, word or deed since my rebirth as Your own adopted child in Baptism and my registration as a soldier of Jesus on the day of my Confirmation. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and give me a steadfast will that I may be a strength to others around me. Teach me to respect my body and the bodies of my fellow creatures. Help me to see the glory of perfect manhood In Jesus Christ and of perfect womanhood in Mary Immaculate. Inspire me with such love for the ideals for which our Savior lived and died that all my passions and energies will be caught up into the enthusiasm of His service, and evil things will lose their power. May my body be the servant of my soul, and may both body and soul be Your servants. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

[Vim71]

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning is now ever shall be world without end
Amen.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen

 

[MS_SURVEYOR]

***Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death
Amen.

***

 

[Gina_Lee]

O beautiful flower of Carmel,
Most fruitful Vine, splendor of Heaven.
Holy and singular
Who brought forth the Son of God,
Still ever remaining a pure virgin
Assist me in this necessity
O Star of the Sea,
Help and protect me!
Show me that Thou art my Mother.
O Mary, conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to Thee!
Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands.
Amen.

 

[Dodge_pursuit]

Josh,

Wow! Thank you for that excerpt from Imitation of Christ! I am ashamed to say, I have seen, handled and even sold that book and never taken the time to read it myself. I will do that as soon as I finish my current book (Rebuilt).

What an excellent and helpful quote. Not surprisingly, it reminds me of things I’ve read in Saint Faustina’s diary. According to her, the Lord said it is important to trust his mercy and “get back on the horse” when we fall, only avoiding Holy Communion when we are in truly grave sin. Not only do we need the grace of communion to resist sin but Jesus said he desires to “meet” us in the sacrament.

Chastity is hard. I have been terribly tempted today myself, even before I got out of bed with dreams of past sexual sin and images. I’ve been fighting all day to resist and praying despite feeling like garbage. This thread has encouraged me.

Fight the good fight!

 

[ready]

I just said a prayer for your intention. You will be included in my Rosaries. God bless you.

 

[DoGodsBidding]

I have been struggling with an addiction with internet porn for over 10 years now. No matter what I try i cant break free. I am really beginning to wonder if at this point I am possessed (I am usually the last one to claim that anyone is possessed). Please pray for me. That I put myself into a position that I can receive the graces that God has for me. That I can finally walk free, and not be bound to this sin anymore

Gracious and merciful Father, please come to their assistance.

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end
Amen.

 

[Dodge_pursuit]

I failed today.

Couldn’t make it to mass yesterday or today. Got no sleep last night. Was feeling like spoiled brat, arguing with God about this and that. Temptation came today and I said, “I give up.” Feel like a pathetic worm.

Planning on confession and mass tomorrow morning.

 

[josh987654321]

Josh,

Wow! Thank you for that excerpt from Imitation of Christ! I am ashamed to say, I have seen, handled and even sold that book and never taken the time to read it myself. I will do that as soon as I finish my current book (Rebuilt).

Thank you Dodge pursuit

The book ‘Imitation of Christ’ by Thomas A Kempis is really good, definatly worth while reading imho

I actually decided to get it because a few posters on here mentioned it as their favourite books in another thread so i thought id give it a go and I had no idea how good it actually was until I started reading it.

What an excellent and helpful quote. Not surprisingly, it reminds me of things I’ve read in Saint Faustina’s diary. According to her, the Lord said it is important to trust his mercy and “get back on the horse” when we fall, only avoiding Holy Communion when we are in truly grave sin. Not only do we need the grace of communion to resist sin but Jesus said he desires to “meet” us in the sacrament.

I have only recently started reading Saint Faustina’s diary and it’s also very good.

Chastity is hard.

Actually, the longer you have been chaste, the easier it is. Something that seems impossible at first actually becomes something easy.

That’s why in the motivational tips I say remember your cravings only last a few minutes and they become less frequent and intense the longer you have quit, so take one day at a time and tell yourself “don’t let this be the day that you blow it.”

I have been terribly tempted today myself, even before I got out of bed with dreams of past sexual sin and images. I’ve been fighting all day to resist and praying despite feeling like garbage.

Remember the 3 D’s

Delay: remember that the worst cravings last for only a few minutes and will become even less frequent the longer you have quit.

Deep breath: this should help you relax and focus your mind on something else.

Do something else: Prayer Find something that keeps your mind busy and distracted and focus on it, don’t allow your thoughts to go back into temptation, when the evil one tries to tempt you, do not give him any attention.

This thread has encouraged me.

Fight the good fight!

God Bless

Thank you for reading
Josh

 

[josh987654321]

I failed today.

Remember motivational tip 1) A slip up doesn’t mean you’ve failed. What’s important is to work out how you can stop a slip up from happening next time.

Do an analysis of why/how you failed and work out how you can stop a slip up from happening next time, thus you will rise even stronger.

10) The more times you try to quit. The better you will get at it until you quit for good.

2) Don’t say “this is my last time” say “I’m not going to give in today” and take one day at a time.

3) Each craving only lasts a few minutes and will become less frequent the longer you have quit. Don’t let this be the day that you blow it.

Couldn’t make it to mass yesterday or today. Got no sleep last night. Was feeling like spoiled brat, arguing with God about this and that. Temptation came today and I said, “I give up.” Feel like a pathetic worm.

Remember, just because the battle was lost doesn’t mean the war was, do an analysis of how you lost and work out how to win the next battle. The old enemy wont catch you unprepared next time.

This is the time where you gather your troops and fall back to the next defensive position, this one will be even stronger than the first. He will have to do better than before if he wants to get past this new line of defense.

Ever heard of UFC (Ultimate Fighting Competition)? The tempter is your opponent and he has your arm up behind your back, hes applying more and more pressure until you tap out, you should tell him that he will just have to go ahead and break your arm, because tapping out is not an option. Pretty soon when the evil one realises that it’s not simply a matter of ‘voltage’ with you, he gives up.

Remember, Do not believe the old enemy or heed him, even though he often sets traps to decieve you. When he suggests evil, unclean things, accuse him. Say to him: "Away, unclean spirit! Shame, miserable creature! You are but filth to bring such things to my ears. Begone, most wretched seducer! You shall have no part in me, for Jesus will be my strength, and you shall be confounded. I would rather die and suffer all torments than consent to you. Be still! Be silent! Though you bring many troubles upon me I will have none of you. The Lord is my light, my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Though armies unite against me, my heart will not fear, for the Lord is my Helper, my Redeemer."

Remember the 3 D’s

Delay: remember that the worst cravings last for only a few minutes and will become even less frequent the longer you have quit.

Deep breath: this should help you relax and focus your mind on something else.

Do something else: Prayer, Find something that keeps your mind busy and distracted and focus on it, don’t allow your thoughts to go into temptation, when the evil one tries to tempt you, do not give him any attention, instead give him your back. Remember the evil one cannot succeed without you, he requires your consent, don’t give it to him.

Planning on confession and mass tomorrow morning.

These motivational tips I believe will help you alot - #4

God Bless

Thank you for reading
Josh

 

[Dodge_pursuit]

Thanks Josh.

Went to confession and attended two masses! OO RAH. Feel like a new man (literally… 2 Cor 5:17)!

Regarding patterns, I know them well. This is why I was so disappointed in myself; I should know better.

A bad day at work is no big deal. Suffering in the family is part of life. A traffic jam is not the end of the world. Disrupted sleep is not a crisis. A rough day of ministry is to be expected now and then…

However, when things begin to converge, I should know the evil one has assigned a few extra ships to my sector. When nightmares disrupt sleep and bring temptation, I should notice. I know by now to raise shields (more prayer, more mass) and hang on. But this time I fought for a few days, then got discouraged. The devil loves to come between us and the Lord. As soon as we start questioning God (why aren’t you coming to my rescue, Lord?) we’re in trouble. One thing about the enemy is he’s consistent. If it works, he doesn’t waste time coming up with a new plan. If I start to complain and doubt God, he makes a frontal assault with sexual temptation. If I fall, the real objective becomes apparent- thoughts pop into my head like, “I should quit ministry. I’m not a Godly man.”

Darkness, self-pity, fear… just where he wants me.

Like night and day, this morning after confession, I’m ready to take on the world! Send me, Lord! Back to normal; I want to bring communion to all the folks at the nursing home and spend myself preaching the gospel to my beloved 7th graders. Oh, and back to discerning seminary too. I guess the enemy would rather I just quit everything and go back to getting drunk every night. Not gonna happen. :knight2:

Yes, I know his tactic and should be well-equipped to defend myself.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

AMEN

 

[Doeco]

I always recommend the book “Every Young Man’s Battle” (there is also “Every Man’s Battle” for older men) or “To Kill A Lion: Destroying the Root of Lust.” The first book got me to quit pornography and the second helped to keep the ideas I learned from the first reinforced.

Praying for you.