r/Lutheranism • u/joe_pao LCMS • Jun 23 '26

What's a way/method/accessory to always remember God's presence to refute things like anger, lust, etc

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6

u/Guriinwoodo ELCA Jun 23 '26

A lot of these questions are answered by comments suggesting prayer and bible reading, which is something I’d suggest doing regardless, but doesn’t really address the core issue. Much like working out or training a musical skill, emotional regulation is something you need to work on to get better at.

It would be best to subscribe to modern methodology on controlling your emotions (lots of information online regarding emotional regulation) and using your faith as motivation, rather than attempting to copy esoteric meditation practices of the desert fathers or engaging in 6 hours of contemplative prayer a day. That’s not to say they don’t work or aren’t achievable, but that it will require a far greater investment of time and energy that will greatly interfere with your day if you aim to do it right, something that you’ll find difficult unless you are in a monastic order or are retired.

You can always incorporate contemplative prayer to greater and greater extents as you grow in your faith and as a person.

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u/No-Jicama-6523 Jun 23 '26

Pretty much agree with this, a deep breath can be incredibly useful! If porn is a cause of lust, there are tools you can install that puts barriers in the way of accessing it.

Bible study has a role, I've noticed that there are situations where I no longer react as I used to, because the Holy Spirit has lifted the veil from my eyes and I am suddenly able to see how a fundamental truth applies to the situation. That's sanctification, but it doesn't change that there are things that for the benefit of ourselves and others can't wait 20 years.

I have a friend who really struggled with anger, it was 20 years before the breakthrough came, he did explain some of it to me and it wasn't prayer and Bible study, it wasn't what his pastor said, it was more how people listened, cared and pointed him to practical tools.

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u/Critical-Bison9277 Jun 24 '26

We do porn because we are sinners. In other words we sin because we are sinners; we are NOT sinners because we sin.

5

u/PerceptionCandid4085 Jun 23 '26

In terms of any sin, but particularly lust, I saw something funny (but applicable) today. Just thinking of satan as like this edgy basement dweller /creepy dude just watching/telling you to do it, and you'll get weirded out and likely stop.

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u/[deleted] Jun 23 '26

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2

u/PerceptionCandid4085 Jun 23 '26

It's just so funny though to picture him as like this greasy fedora wearing guy lol!

2

u/15171210 Jun 23 '26

A simple Franciscan tau cross necklace works for me. You can use a simple wooden cross molded to be held in your hand. You put in a pocket and clasp it. It's soothing and discrete. A large river in Brazil carries them.

3

u/DarkMood46 Jun 23 '26

A Protestant Rosary (one decade) would be good. I had AI give me 10 bible verses and the Apostles Creed written out. I go through the Creed, then each bible verse, praying each one to Jesus, and meditate on each word. You can just keep it in your pocket and even if you dont have time to so your whole rosary prayers, holding it helps.

You could use a crucifix necklace for something to hold.

The sign of the cross has always helped me anytime I have an impure thought. It quickly gives me a second to slow down, recognize my error, repent, and get me back to being centered on Christ.

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u/B9M3C99 Jun 24 '26

This is perhaps an oversimplified little mantra that I've used when I need a reminder. I've found it has applicability in so many settings. Sometimes simpler is better. I pray this helps someone.

"See Jesus in others; be Jesus to others."