It is extremely difficult to remain pure and chaste in today's world. The internet in particular has opened up an entire Pandora's Box of temptations that are available to us at the touch of a finger.
This has left many of us with a flood of lustful thoughts that constantly tug at our soul, luring us to commit further sins against our God-given sexuality.
Only through the power of God and a life wedded to the sacraments of the Church can we conquer these thoughts and banish them from our minds. We need all the help we can get to walk away from the slavery of sin and embrace the freedom found in a life of virtue.
One prayer that has proven to be effective in this spiritual battle is the "Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas for Purity." Aquinas had his own struggles with purity during his lifetime and turned to God for strength and relief. God provided and allowed him to remain strong in the face of temptation.
Dear Jesus,
I know that every perfect gift,
and especially that of chastity,
depends on the power of Your providence.
Without You a mere creature can do nothing.
Therefore, I beg You to defend by Your grace
the chastity and purity of my body and soul.
And if I have ever sensed or imagined anything
that could stain my chastity and purity,
blot it out, Supreme Lord of my powers,
that I may advance with a pure heart in Your love and service,
offering myself on the most pure altar of Your divinity
all the days of my life. Amen.
