Overcoming Temptation

Heavenly Father,

You are greater than any earthly pleasure, indeed more extraordinary than even heavenly things. Yet temptation lurks at the gates. It invites my heart to stray from you. May I strive to pursue you above all things. May I surrender my will to your great love and power. Teach me to keep my eyes fixed on excellent and admirable things. Banish the distractions from my mind and heart that I would not entertain them. You have given me a new nature that desires to follow your law. The old nature wars against me even as it is being crucified. Empower me to walk by the spirit that I would not gratify the sinful desires of the flesh. In the time where I live in the tension between being yours and not being free from sin, meet with me. Console my heart that mourns its sinful proclivities. May you, yourself, be the object of my affections and the focus of my life.

In the name of the sinless God-man. Amen.