Mature prayer topics (older or mature members only, please)

[Dr.Faust]

[color="Red"](WARNING MAJOR VENTING HERE)[/color]:rant:

I fell again. Lucky I just got some software that will block the sites that I've been on and I made it so I cant even get on them from external links ( Thank God for firefox ). Anyway I was hoping i could gets some pray and advice for my lust problems. I fell that this is the only place I can come to talk about my problems because I don't have many christen friends to talk about this stuff with, and the only one how is a christen won't take me serious if I talk to him about this kind of stuff. I could talk to my parents but that would be vary odd even though their christens and would most likely try to help me. I haven't been to church in a while and to be honest I hate going to the churches in my area. Reasons for that are: [color="DarkRed"]1. I hate large groups of people.[/color] [color="DeepSkyBlue"]2. I just don't seem to fell any thing form going( or at least I didn't when I went).[/color] [color="Lime"]3. The priest seem to focus on the wrong message( ex: making a big church, not tightening,ect)[/color] [color="Purple"]4. the priest doesn't know anything in the Bible.[/color] In stead of going to church I'd much rather talk to a few people about my problems and discus the Bible and God (much like I'm doing here). I know this is a little off topic but I also need you to pray for one of my friends who is vary sad and angry at the moment. If you want to talk to me pm me. Think you for your prays:angel:.

[Tsukuyomi]

Do you have any other hobbies, DrFaust ^^? You should try to pick up writing or drawing ^__^ It'll help keep your mind off of things I know it's easier said then done, but it is a start

Of course, I'll be praying and feel free to PM me if you want ^^

[Dr.Faust]

Do you have any other hobbies, DrFaust ^^? You should try to pick up writing or drawing ^__^ It'll help keep your mind off of things I know it's easier said then done, but it is a start

Of course, I'll be praying and feel free to PM me if you want ^^

Yes music and games, both of witch I need a computer. I need to see online lessons for music and toturals for games. I'll try to play music when ever I get the urge to sin. God Bless:angel:

[Okami]

I've messed up twice since last week. I was one day from being three weeks and then fell....I am so grateful to have an accountability partner willing to help me pick up these broken shards and glue them back together, though.

Pray I start resisting the devil again. Right now I'm having trouble fighting the urge for pleasuring myself, but I really want to give up this habit. >.<

[Atria35]

Yes music and games, both of witch I need a computer. I need to see online lessons for music and toturals for games. I'll try to play music when ever I get the urge to sin. God Bless:angel:

I'm sorry to hear that you're having a hard time.

If you haven't already thought about it, there are support groups out there for those who are addicted to porn- they may be secular, but those who join want to kick the habit, just like you. You might find support there.

A friend who went through a similar thing found that if he started using computers in public (libraries, for instance) he was less tempted to abuse it- after all, libraries have filters, and it's in public. He also found a hobby outside of the house- he took up doing work at city events and some photography. This kept him away from the computer and temptation. It might be worthwhile to try and find an outdoors hobby- especially since it's so nice outside

Praying for you!

[Tsukuyomi]

Hang in there. I'll be praying ^__^ It'll be hard, but it is possible

[Yojimbo]

Hey all I would strongly recommend you check this site out if you are stuck in the pitfalls of pornography and masturbation.

http://www.settingcaptivesfree.com/

"Way of Purity"

This site will challenge you big time though I have to say with some very tough questions about your faith. But if you go into it with a truly repentant heart and with humility and stick with it God will use it to demolish those strongholds of sin in your life.

I am convinced that the only way to overcome habitual sin is with the power of Christ. Nothing else in this world will give you true freedom. No 12 step program, no dirty laundry accountability group where everyone spills their guts but nothing gets accomplished. I'm not saying it's this site's specific program/study that will work but God has used this big time in my life and other people I personally know.

I've been doing it for the past four months (off and on) and I have seen victory over sexual impurity like I never have in my life with over 10 years of pornography addiction.

I rarely post on here anymore. But I beg those of you who are enslaved to this sin to do "The Way of Purity." It is not easy and it takes commitment but if you are truly a follower of Christ then remember that we were not given a cheap grace. It is God's will for us to be free from this sin forever! I used to think that I might be mired in this sin for the rest of my life but that is not how it should be.

1 Corinthians 6:20
"You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God"

John 8:36
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

[heero yuy 95]

Last night, after looking at pornography for the umpteenth time I came to the conclusion that I really need some kind of outside intervention. I've been battling with it on and off since I was 14, and now I'm twenty, six years later. It took me a long time, but I have to admit, I simply am not strong enough to always avoid the temptation in a place where I have easy internet access. So I've decided the best step to take would be to download some free blockers and/or accountability software. Could someone please send me a link to a website where i could download these things?

[Sheenar]

Last night, after looking at pornography for the umpteenth time I came to the conclusion that I really need some kind of outside intervention. I've been battling with it on and off since I was 14, and now I'm twenty, six years later. It took me a long time, but I have to admit, I simply am not strong enough to always avoid the temptation in a place where I have easy internet access. So I've decided the best step to take would be to download some free blockers and/or accountability software. Could someone please send me a link to a website where i could download these things?

K9 Web Protection is a free service that I've used in the past that has proved helpful.
http://www1.k9webprotection.com/


Yeah, I had a fall in this area here in the wee hours of the morning. Was so much easier to avoid looking at things I shouldn't when I had a computer owned by the State of Texas. It was my goal to keep my new laptop free of this stuff, but now, almost a year after I purchased it, I fell. I feel utterly disgusted with myself. I knew that I shouldn't have gotten on the Internet this late at night (I woke up and felt nauseous and couldn't go back to sleep.) This has been a struggle of mine off and on since I was a teenager. It started as a general curiosity but it damaged me for years, even in the years I didn't look at anything (the images stay with you for a LONG time --which is why it's best not to get involved in the first place and why this stuff has some serious effects psychologically.)
Lately, I haven't been praying or reading the Word very much at all --and it's during those times that I am very vulnerable to fall into old sins (because then I'm relying on my own strength and not Christ's.) I've slipped into a bit of depression since the loss of my service dog, my cat, and because of all the problems at the apartment and with my health. Instead of going to God and letting Him take all these things, I have withdrawn into myself.
I am desperate to get out of this cycle. I do well for a while and read the Word and pray regularly, then I go through a lengthy period of hardly doing any of that at all and fall into sin. I hate it. I hate all of it. I want out. I hate being a Romans 7 Christian --I want to be free of this.
I don't understand why I go back to this time and time again --I KNOW it doesn't satisfy and that it just sucks life and joy out of you and produces guilt --and that it's just plain not worth it. Yet I do it. Even though I don't really want to. I hate it.

[Dr.Faust]

K9 Web Protection is a free service that I've used in the past that has proved helpful.
http://www1.k9webprotection.com/


Yeah, I had a fall in this area here in the wee hours of the morning. Was so much easier to avoid looking at things I shouldn't when I had a computer owned by the State of Texas. It was my goal to keep my new laptop free of this stuff, but now, almost a year after I purchased it, I fell. I feel utterly disgusted with myself. I knew that I shouldn't have gotten on the Internet this late at night (I woke up and felt nauseous and couldn't go back to sleep.) This has been a struggle of mine off and on since I was a teenager. It started as a general curiosity but it damaged me for years, even in the years I didn't look at anything (the images stay with you for a LONG time --which is why it's best not to get involved in the first place and why this stuff has some serious effects psychologically.)
Lately, I haven't been praying or reading the Word very much at all --and it's during those times that I am very vulnerable to fall into old sins (because then I'm relying on my own strength and not Christ's.) I've slipped into a bit of depression since the loss of my service dog, my cat, and because of all the problems at the apartment and with my health. Instead of going to God and letting Him take all these things, I have withdrawn into myself.
I am desperate to get out of this cycle. I do well for a while and read the Word and pray regularly, then I go through a lengthy period of hardly doing any of that at all and fall into sin. I hate it. I hate all of it. I want out. I hate being a Romans 7 Christian --I want to be free of this.
I don't understand why I go back to this time and time again --I KNOW it doesn't satisfy and that it just sucks life and joy out of you and produces guilt --and that it's just plain not worth it. Yet I do it. Even though I don't really want to. I hate it.

I'm in the same boat as you. I keep looking at it eventhough I can't stand it

[Sheenar]

Yeah, I'm still struggling in this area. After going several years of being clean and not looking at this stuff, the re-emergence of this "old" sin has been kind of shocking and yet not. This tends to be what I regress to when times are tough and I'm not in the Word each day. There's a definite pattern there. I'm less tempted when I've had my quiet time and much more tempted when I have not. Also, around a certain time in my cycle, I am more prone to falling --my baby-making biology wants to well, make a baby --but I'm not married, so I fight it.

As a single woman, I do want to get married and experience this in real life.To really connect to another human being not just physically but also emotionally and spirtually. But looking at things and pleasing myself is not the way to go --in fact, these addictions will be detrimental to a marriage and relationship with whoever my future husband is --having sex mentally with men other than my husband will make it so much harder to connect emotionally and spiritually with him. Such an intimate act is solely reserved for marriage for a reason --it is damaging outside of that boundary. I feel so sad for the men and women in these images --giving their bodies for other's entertainment/pleasure just to make money. When we are worth so much more than that. The act has so much more meaning when reserved for a life partner and given as a gift to that person rather than being sold as a commodity. I want to stop this addiction not just for my spiritual/marital benefit, but also to stop supporting this industry that exploits both men and women.

I want to save myself for my future husband. And I need God's help to overcome this addiction. Prayers will be greatly appreciated.

[Htom Sirveaux]

I've lately been dealing with an increasing sense of boredom and crushing loneliness which has not only caused old habits to resurface, but instilled in me a hesitant but clearly present desire for actual sex. Just for the sake of trying something new & different. If an opportunity arose to get, if you'll pardon the word, laid (as a few years back one did, but I refused), I'm not entirely sure I'd turn it down.
Needless to say, my old companions Frustration and Self-Loathing are back, too. I'm so bored. So lonely. But I'm an introvert, not naturally predisposed to engaging in social activities (or perhaps I should say, I hate being alone in a crowd). I just don't know what to do with myself.

[Tsukuyomi]

I'll be praying

You know where to reach me if you need to talk ^^

[Furen]

Okay I'll pray

A suggestion to that is find something productive to do instead of having idol time, it decreases your mind to wander to those type of thoughts.

[bkilbour]

Yeah, I messed up myself today too.
Every time I see my ex fiance online, or hear about her new boyfriend, I freak out, and end up watching porn to get it all out of my mind.
Ugh, maybe I oughta stop going online or something, yeah?
please pray for that situation...

[Dr.Faust]

Clean for a mounth then fail. Ugh I'm so sick of lust and I sick of posting here asking for prays. I seems that even my own laptop breaking cant stop my addiction. I thought the fear of geting chought would scare me in to not looking porn up but it diden't. I think I should tell my parents about my problem but I don't know. I don't even know why I look at it if I alrady know going in the process that it won't even make me happy. I feel as if I fail God when I do this and it makes me cry. Pray for me and I'm praying for you guys.

[ChristianKitsune]

I never thought I'd have to post in this thread...not because I think that I'm better than anyone else, but because I really thought that I didn't have a problem with this crap...

The fact is, I'm 22 and I know almost nothing about sex, or anything... I've been raised to believe that "Sex before marriage is wrong! It's bad!" Which is totally true, but I think we are overlooking something here...

When we use the word "Bad" with the word "Sex" something strange happens, we really start to believe that sex is bad! Which is totally wrong!

God designed sex, he created it for married couples. It's supposed to be a very, very awesome experience!

Now here's where I'm worried about myself. Since that is the case, I really don't want to be "uneducated" in this field... I want to know how this works, so when I finally do get married, I will know what to do, what to expect and how not to get hurt...

So I've started reading stories that are a bit more explicit in nature...and right now they aren't a HUGE problem... like I don't fantasize about it or anything...but at the same time I feel a huge guilt from reading them... They aren't published stories, but rather things that people I know write...and I love to read what they write. I really love these stories! They are interesting...

But I do believe that because of this, I've become very confused... and I'm worried that they will sort of open the doors to new things that I don't want to get into. I don't currently want to get into pornography, and I don't think I am, yet. However, because of this guilt, I do feel a barrier start to form between myself and God. And that's not okay...

Sorry if this was a long post... but any advice/prayer would be helpful.

[Atria35]

Now here's where I'm worried about myself. Since that is the case, I really don't want to be "uneducated" in this field... I want to know how this works, so when I finally do get married, I will know what to do, what to expect and how not to get hurt...

So I've started reading stories that are a bit more explicit in nature...and right now they aren't a HUGE problem... like I don't fantasize about it or anything...but at the same time I feel a huge guilt from reading them... They aren't published stories, but rather things that people I know write...and I love to read what they write. I really love these stories! They are interesting...

But I do believe that because of this, I've become very confused... and I'm worried that they will sort of open the doors to new things that I don't want to get into. I don't currently want to get into pornography, and I don't think I am, yet. However, because of this guilt, I do feel a barrier start to form between myself and God. And that's not okay...

Sorry if this was a long post... but any advice/prayer would be helpful.

Believe it or not, I'm very proud of this attitude you've taken- it's true that people who are told that "sex is wrong" also have a strong tendancy to start believing that, in all contexts. It's also not wrong for you to want knowledge of this so that you have an idea of what to expect.

However, when reading explicit stories, there's a tendency to exaggerate what happens, or it to not be as accurate as what really happens. It's more of an idealized version, or something that may not apply to you- sex is a very individual experience. I'm going to PM you a link to a site that deals with this very thing in a down-to-earth, realistic manner.

Curiosity is natural- but dealing with stories that present it in such can lead to even more curiosity (and temptation) than articles that deal with it in a more clinical manner.

[Hiryu]

You are right, there is nothing wrong with it. It's a part of nature that God designed within us to procreate.

I would seriously stop looking at those types of stories while you can. You can see people's struggles from getting out of that mess in this very topic. There are cleaner versions of the "birds and bees." Google is your friend.

You could always ask your parents. At first, it may seem awkward and you may feel embarrassed, but they're probably the best people you could ask. Got any friends who are married? You could find something out at the library too, I'd imagine.

[Atria35]

You could always ask your parents. At first, it may seem awkward and you may feel embarrassed, but they're probably the best people you could ask. Got any friends who are married? You could find something out at the library too, I'd imagine.

Oh! That's also an excelent suggestion. You could ask your parents (though this can be highly embarassing, and you'd beed to judge as to whether they would talk to you about it. Some parents I know won't), and friends are usually safe people to go asking such questions with if you have any that have experience with this (I have an unmarried friend who.... likes men. While I don't approve, she has proven an invaluable resource when I have a question about anything, and is very open and willing to share without getting lewd). ANd libraries usually carry a few books about sex and sexual health. While it can be embarassing to check them out, they are invaluable resources. My only complaint is that those books are not as comprehensive as I would care for- while they have the absolute basics with tab A and slot B, and are excelent for discovering the anatomy of both sexes, that's far from everything that goes into sex.

[ChristianKitsune]

Oh! That's also an excelent suggestion. You could ask your parents (though this can be highly embarassing, and you'd beed to judge as to whether they would talk to you about it. Some parents I know won't), and friends are usually safe people to go asking such questions with if you have any that have experience with this (I have an unmarried friend who.... likes men. While I don't approve, she has proven an invaluable resource when I have a question about anything, and is very open and willing to share without getting lewd). ANd libraries usually carry a few books about sex and sexual health. While it can be embarassing to check them out, they are invaluable resources. My only complaint is that those books are not as comprehensive as I would care for- while they have the absolute basics with tab A and slot B, and are excelent for discovering the anatomy of both sexes, that's far from everything that goes into sex.

^^; my mom is pretty hush hush on this topic and hates talking about anything related to this... even the mention of the word "Boobs" makes her super embarassed...

And I am not sure the books would be a good thing either, if they are as vague as you say. After all, I'm not TOTALLY clueless...

But I was given a great link through a pm and I think it will help a lot, thanks for the advice everyone! ^_^ It means a lot.

[Atria35]

Awesome! Hoping it helps, then!

[Sheenar]

Kit-chan, I am so glad that you've found people to help you find clean ways to learn more about sex without getting lewd.

It was because I was curious about sex and how it worked that I got swept into pornography in the past. I didn't have anyone that I could talk to about it at the time and tried to just find info on my own --obviously going to the wrong sources for information. And those images stay in your mind long after you no longer are viewing that kind of stuff --best not to get into it in the first place.

[Htom Sirveaux]

I had been thinking about sex lately and wondering what virginity's really worth to me anyhow, and asking myself, "Why not?"

Well, there's an amazing young Christian woman at work whom I've known for a couple years. (Just got her RN license, I'm so proud!) Whether I've any chance at dating her I don't know. I know she has a great deal of trust and respect for me, but she's pretty smart and I wouldn't be surprised if she realizes she could do better than to be with me. Still, she's my ideal woman. One of the things I love about her is her Godly innocence and purity, and utter contempt for impurity. If I were blessed to date her or a woman like her, it would be hard enough, come time for total honesty, to tell her I struggled for several years with a pornography addiction. I could only add to that, "And I'll understand if you never want to speak to me again." How much harder would it be to have to say, "Oh, also, I threw away my virginity just to see what it felt like."

So why not?
She's why not.

[Hiryu]

Go for it dude. You'll have everything to gain and nothing to lose if you try.

Ganbatte!

[Dr.Faust]

Sliped up again. I wish I can just quite this cold turky. I would like to talk to some one about God and anime and stuff. If you would like to talk my skype is Dr.FaustSNK . Pray for me as I do for you all. *Sigh* so sick of posting about this problem

[Sheenar]

Sliped up again. I wish I can just quite this cold turky. I would like to talk to some one about God and anime and stuff. If you would like to talk my skype is Dr.FaustSNK . Pray for me as I do for you all. *Sigh* so sick of posting about this problem

Understand that feeling.

What I've found helpful is that when you are having those temptations to go and do something not compatible with fulfilling those thoughts. I go for a walk outside, wash dishes/clean, walk/play with the dog or cat, read Scripture, etc.
It's actually a dog training philosophy (dog keeps jumping up on you --have dog sit --dog can't jump and sit at the same time), but I've found it helpful to apply to my life as well.
It's hard to kick old habits and create a new way of thinking. God is there to help us --he always provides us with a way out of temptation. I get disgusted with myself at times --I see the way out, but linger too long and fall instead of taking the way out immediately.

Praise God for His grace! Where would we all be without it?

[Sheenar]

This is a fantastic article about the struggle against masturbation. I found it really encouraging, especially this quote:

So to you who are frustrated about masturbation I would say the following:

God is well able to deliver you. If he isn't doing so at the moment, he may, incredible though it may seem to you, have a prior concern with something else in your life.
Your view of the seriousness of your problem is exaggerated. If you search the scriptures, you will find a lot about virtues God commends to you and sins he warns you about. How do you measure up to them? How about forgetting your problem and taking the commands of Scripture seriously? You hurt no one but yourself by masturbating, but whom have you hurt this week by your sarcasm, your coldness, your forgetfulness, your laziness, your lack of tact and courtesy? How many minutes have you praised God in the last twenty-four hours?
Thank God for all your sexual feelings. Don't hate them. They may be as difficult to manage as an unbroken horse, but they represent one of God's richest gifts to you. He made you to feel sexual desire. Be glad and rejoice in it. Thank him, too, for the day when you will be master of your sexual drives. Though it tarry, it will come, if you let God be master in other areas in your life.
Quit hating yourself. Refuse to listen to the endlessly torturous accusations of the accuser of the brethren, who accuses you day and night (Rev. 12:10). If you are cast down, God waits for you with wide-open arms. By all means groan, but take your shame to the throne of grace where blood will wash it away. Your will is being freed and will be freed from the grip of masturbation, too, one day. So learn to laugh at your chains, in faith.
Refuse to let masturbation cause you discouragement and self-disgust. Thomas R. Kelly said, "Humility does not rest... upon bafflement and discouragement and self- disgust at our shabby lives, a brow-beaten, dog-slinking attitude. It rests upon the disclosure of the consummate wonder of God." He also says "When you catch yourself again, lose no time in self-recriminations, but breathe a silent prayer for forgiveness and begin again, just where you are. Offer this broken worship up to Him and say: 'This is what I am except Thou aid me.' Admit no discouragement, but ever return quietly to Him and wait in His Presence."
This is what we are, except he aid us. He knows it. We know it. Acknowledging it is the first step to a true walk with God in any area of our lives. As we turn to look at graver sexual problems, as well as petty ones, honesty with ourselves, with God and at times with one another will be a step towards health and spiritual growth.

[bkilbour]

Another good link, I saw after I messed up today;
http://vimeo.com/15324684

[Okami]

It's interesting to me, as I was reading an article on masturbation, this woman mentioned saying to herself often when she was trying to get over the habit, "Why do I need to become one with myself? I'm already one with myself." That hit me pretty deep, because we've been talking a lot in terms of sexuality within my Old Testament class, and that had come up, just not in that format. She makes a good point for any of us struggling to get out of such a habit, though.

That being said, I have the praise of being seven weeks clean!
As to everyone else, keep going, keep fighting. Know that if you ask for freedom, you will get it...God's timing is so much trickier than our own, though, wait and lean on Him. He's gracious to continue to lift us up if we truly want it!