Pray Against Temptation – Ephesians 6:10-11

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 
Ephesians 6:10-11

There is a reason the Bible urges us to pray against temptation. This is because when temptation comes, without strength and spiritual resilience, it can lead to sin.

You may go days or even weeks without watching pornography, feeling victorious over your struggle. But sometimes, all it takes is one moment of temptation to pull you back into the habit you’ve worked so hard to break. This is why it is crucial to pray against temptation.

Pray for the strength to stand firm when temptation arises. Put on the full armour of God so that you will not be easily swayed. Remember, no temptation has overtaken you that is beyond your ability to resist (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Below is a prayer you can use as a guide when praying against the temptation to watch pornography along with Bible verses to meditate on as you pray.

Prayer against temptation

Dear Lord,
Please save me from all temptations. You know my weaknesses in this area. I pray that You help me stay strong and steadfast in my faith. Do not allow me to be swayed by any demonic entity, and let no lustful intrusions enter my mind or space. 
Help me to stay pure for You, Lord, and let Your word be my strength and shield. Be my rock against temptation and my fortress against those who seek my destruction. Renew my strength daily in You, Lord, so I may put on the full armour of God and stand firm against the devil’s schemes.
Amen.

Bible verses to meditate on as you pray

1 Corinthians 6:18

 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.

This verse reminds us that indulging in sexual immorality, such as watching pornography, is not only harmful to our relationships with others but also to our own bodies. By remembering this truth, we can resist the urge to give in to the temptation and instead choose to honour God with our bodies.

James 1:14-15

 But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

This verse reminds us that temptation begins within us, our own desires can lead us astray. That’s why it is crucial to guard our hearts and minds against sinful inclinations. It serves as a warning that unchecked evil desires can lead to sin, and ultimately, spiritual destruction.

Proverbs 4:23

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Our hearts and minds are the gateways to our actions, and it’s important to be vigilant about what we allow to enter into them. Watching pornography can corrupt our hearts and lead us down a destructive path. By guarding our hearts and minds and filling them with things that are pure and good, we can resist the temptation to watch pornography.

Psalm 119:9

How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.

When Jesus was tempted by the devil, he defeated him with the word of God. God’s Word is a powerful tool to help us stay on the path of purity. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, seeking God’s guidance, and meditating on His Word, we can find the strength to resist temptation and overcome the urge to watch pornography.

James 4:7

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

One thing we need to realize is that temptation is just that – temptation. It is not an order, and that means we can resist temptation and choose not to give in to it. When faced with the temptation to watch pornography, we can turn to God for help. By submitting ourselves to Him and relying on His strength, we can resist the lies and deceit of the enemy. God promises that if we resist the devil, he will flee from us, giving us the strength to overcome temptation.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Sometimes the temptation to watch pornography may stem from our own minds and thoughts and not outside forces. Instead of giving in to this temptation, we can choose to focus our thoughts on things that are pure and uplifting. By filling our minds with positive and wholesome content, we can guard ourselves against the lure of pornography.

In moments of weakness and temptation, remember these powerful Bible verses and turn to God for strength and guidance. With His help, you can overcome the temptation to watch pornography and live a life of purity and honour. Remember that God loves you, forgives you, and is always there to help you in times of struggle.