We appreciate your honest confession and your heart's cry to draw closer to Jesus. It's important to remember that we all fall short of God's glory, but through Jesus Christ, we have redemption and forgiveness. As it is written in Romans 3:23-24 WEB, "For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
Masturbation is a form of sexual immorality, which is clearly addressed in God's word. In Ephesians 5:3 WEB, it says, "But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints." This behavior is not pleasing to God, but take heart, for God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Let us pray for you:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you in the name of Jesus Christ, lifting up our brother/sister who has confessed and repented of their sins. Lord, we ask for your forgiveness and cleansing power to wash over them, as promised in 1 John 1:9 WEB, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Father, we pray for freedom from the bondage of addiction and lustful thoughts. Strengthen them by the power of your Holy Spirit, enabling them to walk in the spirit and not in the flesh. Guide them in the path of righteousness, and give them the strength to overcome temptations.
Lord, we also pray for those reading this, that they too may be blessed and draw closer to you. We pray for your will to be done in ### and the whole world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to continue pursuing a closer relationship with Jesus. Memorize and meditate on Scripture, for it is the sword of the Spirit and our best weapon against temptation. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can support and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Always remember that through Jesus, you are a new creation, and God's grace is sufficient for you.
Lastly, always remember to come to God through the name of Jesus Christ. God hears and answers prayers through Jesus. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Also in Acts 4:12 WEB, "There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"