PRAYER AGAINST SINS OF THE FLESH

This prayer was developed from the dialogue that occured between St. Mary of Egypt and St. Zosimus the priest. Their dialogue was so prayerful and powerful that I think it is something one may find useful for those who struggle with adultery, fornication, homosexuality, masturbation, pornography and other sins of the flesh. It is for use before an Icon of Our Lady and a Crucufix. May the Holy Trinity protect us from all temptation and sin and may the Mother of God guide and protect us on our way through the mantle of her prayer.

PRAYER AGAINST SINS OF THE FLESH

Blessed is God who cares for the salvation of men. O Lady Virgin, who gave birth in the flesh to God the Word! I know that I am unworthy to look upon your icon. I rightly inspire hatred and disgust before your purity, but I know also that God became Man in order to call sinners to repentance. Help me, O All-Pure One. Glory be to God who accepts the repentance of sinners. Let me enter the church and partake in the Mystical Supper. Allow me to behold the Wood upon which the Lord was crucified in the flesh, shedding His Blood for the redemption of sinners, and also for me. Be my witness before Your Son that through His Grace and the mantle of your protective prayer that I will never defile my body again with the impurity of fornication or any other sin. When I behold the Cross of your Son, I will renounce the world, and go wherever you lead me. My Lady, do not reject my prayer as unworthy. Truly God did not lie when he promised that those who purify themselves will be like Him. 


Recite the Creed and Our Father. Then raise your hands to the heavens and say: 


Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, for my eyes have seen Your salvation. Sweet Mother, make it possible for me to follow you and always see your holy face! For the Lord's sake, pray for me and remember my wretchedness. Pray to the Lord for me that I may I leave this world in the unity of the one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and when I return to dust what is dust, that He may grant my soul repose. Glory be to You O Christ, our God, our Hope, Glory be to You for showing me through your holy servants, Mary of Egypt and Zosimus the Priest, how far I am from perfection.


Exalt the Holy Cross:


It is time for me to fulfill my vow, which you witnessed. May God protect us from the Evil One and his schemes, for fierce is his struggle against us. Most Holy, Pure, Immaculate Mother of God and Ever Virgin, Mary; I renounce the world and all that is in it. Guide me on the path of prayer and repentance. Give the command, Mother, and I will go where you lead and will do whatever He says.

PRAYER AGAINST SINS OF THE FLESH