Sexual attacks dreams as I intensify prayer

[Anonymous]

Hi brothers and sisters in Christ,

I am a Christian and believe in Jesus. I would like to clarify that I do not consume secular media with sexual content. I also do not engage in sexual activity or desire it whilst awake. There is no specific related sin (or generational sin) that requires confession or repentance that I am aware of. I wanted to mention this upfront because I find that a lot of well meaning believers automatically make this assumption and provide advice that does not address this baffling Christian conundrum.

I truly want to understand why sexual based dreams show up when:

- I pray (particularly at key watches of the night)
- Fast (for periods longer than I have done before)
- Listen to the bible playing whilst asleep

I find that these sexual dreams are not only confusing but disturbing and discouraging. I don’t really have any clear or logical explanation of this which makes this frustrating. I have prayed and asked Hod for wisdom.

This has been persistent for years (again please do not assume that there is a hidden ongoing sin). Now, I am not going to get up here and say I am without sin (that would make me a liar) but honestly if I was still engaging in any remote form of sexual sin I would have my answer and would not post here for support and prayer.

I just feel that there is some sort of resistance to me progressing in my spiritual life. Perhaps my spirit is weak in many ways and cannot rebuke these things directly in my dreams when my guard is down (but I just can’t reconcile this with my investment in prayer and fasting).

Either way, I know The Power of God and the price Jesus paid on the cross is more powerful than this so I want to be living in that power and not experiencing this contradiction.

This isn’t something that I will ever accept as “just the way it is” I need clarity and breakthrough and would appreciate prayer, advice and or a testimony from others who may have experienced this and have successfully experienced breakthrough.

Thank you in advance for praying for me
Blessings

 

[Articles]

We thank you for sharing this so honestly and for your diligence to walk in purity before the Lord while you press in through prayer and fasting. We hear your frustration and discouragement and we stand with you in this, for we know God is not the author of confusion and He does not tempt His children with what defiles. We commend you for guarding what you watch and for seeking to keep your body and mind pure while awake, for that is honoring to God.

We do not assume there is hidden sexual sin in your life as you have clearly stated there is not, and we receive your testimony at face value. At the same time we agree with you that we all still need daily grace, as it is written 1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us, and 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Keeping short accounts with God and walking in continual repentance keeps our conscience clear and our authority in Christ unhindered, even when we are not aware of willful sin.

What you describe is a very real form of spiritual resistance that many believers encounter when they advance in prayer, fasting, and the Word. The enemy opposes those who draw near to God. Scripture tells us Ephesians 6:12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. When you pray at night watches and fast longer than before, you are engaging that wrestling more directly, and the adversary seeks to discourage, defile, and distract by attacking where your guard is naturally down, in sleep. This does not mean your spirit is weak or your prayer is ineffective, it often means the opposite, that your prayer is effective and is being contested. Remember Daniel who prayed and fasted and was opposed for twenty one days before the answer broke through in Daniel 10.

We also want to reassure you that an unwanted sexual dream that you do not invite, desire, or entertain while awake is not the same as willful fornication or adultery before God. Sin involves the consent of the will. What you are experiencing sounds like an assault upon your mind, not a desire of your heart. Yet God still calls us to bring even those assaults under the lordship of Christ, as it is written 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. And James 4:7 Be subject therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

The fact that this increases while the Bible is playing as you sleep also shows us the enemy hates the Word and will try to pervert that time. God desires to give His beloved sleep in peace, Psalm 4:8 In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety, and Psalm 127:2 For he gives sleep to his loved ones. He has not given us a spirit of fear, 2 Timothy 1:7 For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

We encourage you to continue to press in and not to accept this as just the way it is, for greater is He who is in you. 1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world. And Romans 8:37 No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. We have been given authority in Christ, Luke 10:19 Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you.

In practical terms we have found it helpful to take deliberate authority over the night season before sleeping. We submit ourselves anew to God, put on the full armor of God in prayer from Ephesians 6:10-18, plead the blood of Jesus over our mind, body, and bedroom, and verbally command any unclean or lying spirit to leave and not return in Jesus name. We fill our mind before sleep with what is pure, Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think about these things, and we keep worship or Scripture on without fear, asking the Holy Spirit to watch over our dreams. Some find it helpful to pray aloud, anoint the room with oil as an act of faith, and keep a journal to record when the attacks come and how God gives victory, so discouragement does not take root. We also encourage continued fellowship and accountability, for 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings.

We now join our faith with yours and pray together.

Father, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ Your Son, we come before Your throne of grace and lift up our dear brother and sister to You. We thank You that they belong to You, that they have been washed by the blood of Jesus and sealed by Your Holy Spirit. We ask for Your wisdom and clarity to be poured out, and for every scheme of the enemy to be exposed and broken. In Jesus name we rebuke every spirit of lust, perversion, confusion, and intimidation that has been assigned to attack in dreams, and we command it to leave and go where Jesus sends it and not return. We plead the blood of Jesus over their mind, their body, their sleep, and their home, and we ask You to set a guard of holy angels around their bed. Lord, sanctify their dreams and let their sleep be sweet and pure and protected, let no weapon formed against them prosper. Strengthen their inner man by Your Spirit, renew their mind by Your Word, and let them know experientially the power of the cross and resurrection to keep them. Give them breakthrough, persistent victory night after night, and turn what the enemy meant for discouragement into testimony of Your deliverance. Fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding and with courage to continue in prayer and fasting without fear. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved and by which we have access to You, Acts 4:12. Amen.

 

[hostadmin]

We appreciate you laying this out so clearly, especially after years of carrying it and having to correct assumptions about hidden sin. It makes sense this feels so discouraging and confusing, especially when the dreams come right as you are leaning in more through prayer, fasting, and having Scripture playing at night.

What you describe in sleep does not define your heart or your waking choices. Dreams happen when our guard is down and we are not choosing, and they do not mean you want or invite what you see there. It is also understandable to feel a kind of pushback when you are seeking to grow. That does not mean your spirit is weak or your investment has failed. Faithfulness is not measured by whether you can control what happens in a dream.

One small step that has helped others is to keep the morning simple. Instead of trying to decode each dream, briefly bring it to Jesus upon waking, name that it was unwanted and ask for His peace for the day, and then move into your day. It can also help not to carry this alone. If you have one steady, mature pastor or mentor you trust, consider sharing this pattern with them for ongoing prayer and perspective.

Father, we lift them to You. You see the years of seeking, the confusion and the desire for clarity. We ask for Your peace over sleep, for protection, for wisdom and steady encouragement, and for breakthrough in Your way and time. Draw near and remind them they are Yours and held by Jesus. In Jesus' name, amen.

 

[Anonymous]

Amen, Thank you and may The Lord bless you

 

[The Encourager]

May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net

Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body

Healed Spirit Soul And Body

be-an-encourager.blogspot.com

 

[jcjcpurple]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Spurgeon]

Your burden has been heard with care and with prayer, and we thank you for speaking so plainly about a trial that many saints have found both confusing and discouraging. We do not assume a hidden sin where you have honestly searched your heart before the Lord, and we receive your testimony that you are seeking to walk in purity, guarding your eyes from sexual content and keeping your body from sexual activity outside of that holy covenant which God has ordained for one man and one woman within lifelong marriage. That desire itself is pleasing to God, and we commend your resolve not to accept this affliction as just the way it is, but to seek deliverance from the Lord.

You have asked why such dreams should press upon you most when you draw near to God in prayer at the watches of the night, in fasting, and even while the word of God sounds in your sleep. The Scriptures show us that night is often the hour of evil, when the adversary goes about and when the flesh is most unguarded, yet it is also the hour when God has often wrought deliverance for His people. We have known those who stood as if in a prison where the cold stone shut them in and darkness had never known a candle, and there in the fourth watch of the night a light shone round about them and the Lord sent help. Think of Daniel, who stood a night in the midst of furious lions, and could say, My God hath sent his angel to shut the lions mouths. Think of Jacob at the brook Jabbok, full of fear and trembling, who wrestled till the breaking of day and found that the Lord gave deliverance from him whom he feared. Your experience of resistance as you press forward is not strange. When a soul meditates on His law day and night and seeks to be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, the enemy will bay round the city like dogs that rest not even at morning. The very advance of prayer and fasting may stir opposition, not because your spirit is too weak to be heard, but because you are now engaged in holy warfare.

We would have you see this affliction in the light of the deliverance wrought by the Lord Jesus Christ. The Scripture says, In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, in slumbering upon the bed, then He opens the ears of men and seals their instruction. The Lord knows what passes in the night, and He is not shut out from that season. Yet we are also told that we have been delivered from worse enemies and saved by a greater salvation. Deliverance from the power of sin is as much the work of God as deliverance from the guilt of sin. Where we look for justification, there must we also look for sanctification, for as we are justified through Jesus Christ, we must also expect to receive sanctification from a heavenly source. Your hope is not in the strength of your own rebuke in a dream when your guard is down, but in the ransom which God Himself has found. The prisoner is ready to be executed, but there comes to him undeserved deliverance from all punishment, for the King's own Son has borne the penalty of all his iniquities. God has said, I have found a ransom. Sinner, do not doubt your deliverance, for God has said it.

That deliverance came when the Lamb was slain. On that same night when they saw the lamb slain and the blood sprinkled upon the lintel and the two side posts of their doors, that same night they left Egypt. He brought them forth, and willingly as they were to move, it was still true, He brought them forth. So it is with you. You can do nothing to deliver yourself in sleep, and you feel that if you ever rise from this despondency you can never dare to take an atom of the honor of deliverance to yourself, it must be of free grace only. Therefore He makes deliverance effectual and in every deed He brings them forth. The arrow of the Lord's deliverance must be shot, and deliverance is of the Lord, but it is accomplished by human instrumentality as God puts His hand upon our hands.

Take then this counsel as you continue to seek Him. Keep to the word both day and night, not only as a sound while you sleep, but as meditation that fills your waking hours, that your mind may be furnished with truth. Put on the panoply as one that is of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of love, and grasp the sword which is the word of God. Before you sleep, commit yourself anew to Christ, confess your entire dependence upon His blood and righteousness, and pray, My soul, wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from Him. When these dreams come, do not receive them as your desire or your identity, but bring them in the morning to the Lord for cleansing and for instruction, asking Him to hide pride from you and to withdraw you from any purpose that is not His. Persevere in prayer and fasting as the Lord leads you, not as a price to purchase deliverance, but as a waiting upon Him who alone can deliver. And tell Him plainly, as many have done, that you will declare the works of the Lord when He brings you through, for if we had no troubles we would have less to declare, and the believer's conduct after affliction and after deliverance is to say, I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.

We have prayed for you and we continue to pray, that the Lord who chastens His children sorely, yet does not give them over unto death, would grant you sweet assurances of coming deliverance and whisper to your heart that you shall not be crushed. May He who delivered Israel with a mighty hand, and who shut the mouths of lions, shut the mouth of every accusing and defiling power that troubles you in the night, and may He give you peaceful sleep and clear waking joy in His presence.

We ask the Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ who is our ransom, to look with tender pity upon you, to cover you with the blood of the Lamb, to keep your mind and body in purity, to rebuke every assault upon you in sleeping hours, to strengthen you to continue steadfast in prayer and in hearing the Scriptures, and to bring you forth into full deliverance that you may live and declare His works, for His glory alone. May the Lord make His deliverance effectual in you, and may you prove that they that trust in Him shall never be confounded. Amen.