Prayer in Distress over Unwanted Thoughts

O Thou Holy God, who inhabitest the praises of Israel, and whom all the holy angels and the elect unceasingly praise and exalt! Distressed in soul I deeply lament to Thee, that I am greatly hindered in Thy worship by evil and blasphemous thoughts, which so frequently and almost daily arise in my heart. Thou, all-knowing God, knowest well that they fall upon me like flying arrows; and that they distress and terrify me. Thou knowest that I am grieved by them, and weep bitterly when these fiery arrows pierce me.

O my God, do not charge to my account what takes place against my will. Thou seest how I fight and wrestle, how I pray against such thoughts, what a horror I have of them, and how gladly I would banish them from my heart. Lord, let not Thy hand be too heavy upon me, lest I perish. I will cheerfully drink the cup which Thou, O dear Father, pourest out for me. Only let it not be a cup of wrath, but a cup of grace. O have mercy upon me; for I am weak.

O how I tremble when I notice that the evil thoughts are approaching again! O do not cast me off on account of them; for I cannot prevent them. This is my infirmity; but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. Quicken me, O Triune God; and when the evil hour and the anguish are past, let me experience Thy holy presence and Thy rich consolations. In the midst of my anguish speak a word of comfort to my heart, that I may cling to it and by its means rise and defend myself bravely. Should this affliction endure long, grant me also great patience and strength. Let not my faith fail, but bear witness with my spirit that I am nevertheless Thy child and an heir of everlasting life.

And now, my God, I will cheerfully endure these temptations, because I know that Thou hast sent them, not for my destruction, but for the purpose of awakening me unto righteousness, of purifying me from sin, evil habits, and worldly ways, and sanctifying my life. Shall I not drink the cup which my Father has placed to my lips? Does it not come from loving hands? This fire is meant to burn the evil lusts and the old Adam out of my heart, and to consecrate it to Thee, O mighty God, as a temple and dwelling-place. Therefore in the midst of my distress I say: Thou art still my Father, my Deliverer, my Helper, and my Defense. Grant me the power of Thy Holy Spirit to strengthen me for the fight, and to help me to overcome.

Thou hast said, that none who wait on Thee shall be ashamed. In Thee, O Lord, do I put hit trust; let me never he ashamed: deliver me in Thy righteousness; deliver me speedily. Be Thou my strong rock, for an house of defense to save me. For Thy name’s sake lead me and guide me. Thou hast said that Thy kindness shall not depart from me, and that mercy shall be built up forever. O Lord, Lord, let now the light of Thy grace arise and fill my heart with joy. O my Father, let the hour come in which Thou wilt take away this distress of soul. Strengthen me, help me. Guard my heart as with a wall, keep watch over it as over the house of Job, that at last the evil thoughts may no longer enter; yea, that I may, through Thy power, learn to despise them, faithful God. Thou wilt not let me be tempted above that I am able! Alleviate my distress, and I will regard that as a help, till at last Thou shalt free me from it entirely. O Jesus, Thou fountain of all grace, who castest out none who come to Thee in their weakness, but givest comfort to all: let me find grace in Thy sight. Amen.