First of all: it is normal to feel tempted to masturbate. We should not feel ashamed about feeling it. However, we should not fall into temptation.
There are different ways of dealing with these urges, from finding a distraction to exercising. A powerful way to avoid it, however, is by praying against masturbation.
What Does the Catholic Church Say About Masturbation?
In the Catholic Church, masturbation is generally considered to be a sinful act. The Church teaches that it is wrong to intentionally engage in sexual pleasure outside of the context of marriage. Masturbation falls under this category because it involves seeking sexual pleasure without a potential reproductive outcome. While the Church recognises that people may struggle with this and other types of temptation, it encourages believers to resist these urges and to seek out healthy, moral ways of expressing their sexuality.
The Catholic Church teaches that masturbation is not an appropriate or healthy way to express sexuality because it does not involve the mutual self-giving and commitment of marriage. Instead, the Church encourages Catholics to resist the temptation to masturbate and to seek out healthy, moral ways of expressing their sexuality within the confines of marriage.
What Can a Catholic do to Overcome Lust?
Here are a few things that Catholics can try to help overcome lust:
- Pray for strength and guidance: Ask God for help in overcoming lust and other forms of temptation.
- Seek support from others: It can be helpful to talk about these struggles with a trusted friend, family member, or spiritual leader.
- Use the tools of your faith: Attend Mass regularly, receive the sacraments, and make use of other devotional practices like prayer and Bible study.
It’s important to remember that overcoming lust is a process and it may take time. Be patient with yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. If this article captivated your attention, consider checking out also our Short Prayers for Anger in the Catholic Tradition.
Prayer to Overcome Masturbation Lust
Wickedness be gone from me!
Oh God,
I come before You today seeking Your help in overcoming the temptation of lust and masturbation. I know that these actions go against Your will for my life and I want to turn away from them.
Please give me the strength and self-control that I need to resist these urges. Help me to find healthy, moral ways of spending my time.
I know I cannot do this without You. I wish for nothing else but to serve You. I ask that You would fill me with your love and grace, so that I might avoid temptation.
In Your holy name I pray.
Amen.
The Dangers of Pornography
The Catholic Church teaches that pornography is harmful because it objectifies and degrades the human person, reducing them to an object for personal gratification. Pornography also often promotes a distorted and unhealthy view of human sexuality, leading people to believe that it is acceptable to use others for personal pleasure without any consideration for their inherent dignity and worth as human beings.
Additionally, the Church teaches that pornography can be addictive and can harm individuals and relationships. It can lead people to develop unhealthy and unrealistic expectations about sex and can contribute to the exploitation and abuse of others.
Overall, the Church believes that pornography goes against God’s plan for human sexuality and is harmful to individuals and society.
Watching pornography will lead to temptation. Avoiding masturbation starts by avoiding temptation.
Prayer to Avoid Pornography and Temptation
Dear God,
I come before you today seeking your help in avoiding the temptation of pornography. Pornography is everywhere nowadays and even though I do my best it can be hard to avoid it.
Please give me the strength and self-control that I need to turn away from this temptation. Help me to cultivate healthy and respectful relationships with others, and to treat all people with dignity and love.
I pray that You would protect me from the harmful effects of pornography and fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so that I may live a life that is pleasing to You.
I also pray for all those who are struggling with the addiction of pornography. Please bring healing and freedom to their lives.
In Your holy name I pray.
Amen.
