Gracious Father, it is in our abiding relationship with you that we experience sober-mindedness and power when faced with temptations of many kinds. Particularly, protect us from the powerful fleshly allurement of the lust of the flesh that so easily embraces and entangles us. No doubt, this area impacts most of us in some way at some level, at some time.
Bless us with an unquenchable hunger and thirst to seek you through your life-giving word. It is primarily through this means of grace that you speak transforming truth into our lives, bringing about supernatural change. Impart discipline in our lives to seek you through your word, tethering us securely together. Penetrate our hearts at the deepest level possible, generating transformation into the likeness of Christ. Bless us with love, power, and self-discipline as we seek intimacy with you through your word, prayer, Christian fellowship, and the sacraments. Create extraordinary overflow for your glory in every area of our life. Never allow us lose sight of the One and only Giver of Life, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Lord Jesus, bless us with Christ-mindedness when temptation beats at our door. Guard our hearts from glancing at the direction of our fascination. Prompt our hearts with wisdom to know that another step down this seemingly captivating pathway will surely end in increased lack of control that will lead to pain, emptiness, loss, and destruction.
Father, guide us to pay close attention to what you say. Protect our hearts from turning to lustful ways or stray into her paths. For many are her victims that she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.
Bless us with faith and discipline to trust you, Lord Jesus! Guide us to choose life! Only through the hope and power found in you are we able to say yes to righteousness and no to sin. At the doorway of lustful temptation, quickly bring us to conviction, repentance, and obedience. Where we’ve failed, quickly prompt us seek your forgiveness, restoration, and, where needed, faithful counsel and accountability as we seek your blessing of spiritual strength and growth, leading to freedom and obedience for your glory.
In Christ,
Blessings!
Proverbs 7:1-27
1 My son, keep my words
and store up my commands within you.
2 Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
and to insight, “You are my relative.”
5 They will keep you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words.
6 At the window of my house I looked down through the lattice.
7 I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense.
8 He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house
9 at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.
10 Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.
11 She is unruly and defiant, her feet never stay at home;
12 now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.
13 She took hold of him and kissed him
and with a brazen face she said:
14 “Today I fulfilled my vows, and I have food from my fellowship offering at home.
15 So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you!
16 I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt.
17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.
18 Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love!
19 My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey.
20 He took his purse filled with money
and will not be home till full moon.”
21 With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.
22 All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose
23 till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.
24 Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.
25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths.
26 Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng.
27 Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.
II Timothy 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Proverbs 30:5
“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Job 23:12
I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.
Psalm 119:9-11
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.
10 With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments.
11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.