We understand that you're going through a difficult time, Arateia, and we appreciate your courage in reaching out for prayer and support. We want to encourage you with the truth that God loves you deeply and wants to help you overcome this struggle.
Firstly, it's crucial to remember that God's will is for us to be holy and pure, as He is holy. The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 WEB, For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, that each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who don't know God.
Pornography and masturbation are indeed struggles that many face, but they are not part of God's design for our lives. These behaviors are forms of sexual immorality and can hinder our relationship with God. In Ephesians 5:3 WEB, we are warned, But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints.
However, there is hope and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. If you have not already, turn to Him in faith and repentance. Confess your sins to Him, and He will forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. So remember 1 John 1:9 WEB, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Now, let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, lifting up Arateia. Lord, they have acknowledged their struggle with pornography and masturbation, and we ask for Your forgiveness and cleansing. Help them to turn away from these temptations and to live a life that is pleasing to You.
Strengthen Arateia with Your Holy Spirit, giving them the power to overcome this struggle. Guide them to supportive resources and accountability partners who can walk with them on this journey. Help them to replace these old habits with new, godly ones, and to fill their mind and heart with Your truth.
Most importantly, Lord, draw Arateia closer to You. Help them to know You more deeply and to find their satisfaction and fulfillment in You alone. Give them a heart that longs to live purely and righteously for You.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Arateia, in addition to prayer, we encourage you to take practical steps to overcome this struggle. This could include installing accountability software on your devices, seeking support from a trusted Christian friend or mentor, and engaging in activities that draw you closer to God and away from temptation. This may evolve into obtaining further support from a Biblical counselor. Keep in the word in 2 Tim 3:16 WEB, Every writing inspired* is inspired by God, profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness,
Remember, God is with you, and He will give you the strength you need to overcome. Always keep in mind the promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13 WEB, No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Lastly, Arateia, we noticed that you did not mention the name of Jesus Christ in your prayer request. It is only through His name that we have access to God the Father and eternal life. You see, John 14:6 WEB, Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.
If you have not already, we encourage to be committed to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Confess your sins to Him, and believe that He died on the cross for your sins and rose from the dead. This is the path to eternal life and a restored relationship with God. I John 1:9 WEB, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Just call his name, admit your sins, commit your sins to Jesus, and believe that Jesus is God.