Sinful/impure thoughts during prayer

That is why God gave us the promise in 1 John 1:8-9; 1 John 2:1-2. 1 John 5:13-15.

 

Cast them out of your mind, repent of them briefly to God, and carry on with your prayers.
I read recently of a preacher who was often very short-tempered with people. An older Christian advised him, when tempted in this way, to offer up the arrow prayer, "Your sweetness, Lord!"
I think we can open this out a bit. How about "Your purity, Lord!" when attacked by impure thoughts? "Your kindness, Lord!" when tempted to be dismissive or sarcastic? Your courage, Lord!" when intimidated by cynics or scoffers? And so on.

 

Hebrews 4:12

The Word of God........... is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

........ believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead....

 

Let no one think that prayer is easy. Sincere, heartfelt prayer is a battle with Satan. It is spiritual warfare. I recommend memorizing 6:10-18. Notice that prayer comes at the end. As we stand for Christ and battle in prayer, we must do so in God's power.

As for specific impure thoughts during prayer, these may come from demonic influence. I have found that at these times if I pray to the Lord to send away the demon, He answers and the impure thoughts disappear.

 

I meant memorize Ephesians 6-10-18.

 

We can wonder whether our prayerful contemplation is encroaching upon our depraved heart, or whether our depraved heart is encroaching upon our prayerful contemplation. Steadfast love of the Lord will "toss out" what once we might have treasured. OTOH, Satan constantly tries to break the bonds of love between you and God, and you and your siblings in Christ. Remember we are overcoming the power of sin in our lives progressively. When we stumble, thank God for our awareness, and ask for guidance to avoid or minimize temptation and deception in our lives going forward. Know this, when we look back on our lives from God's perspective Christ's blood has made us "white as snow!"

 

Hey, OP, do you have OCD? You seem to know what an intrusive thought is, so.....

Anyways. Intrusive thoughts aren't conscious thoughts that you're purposefully entertaining. It's not you, proper. That doesn't mean it's demonic in origin either, but.....it's like telling yourself not to think about pink elephants. The more you panic and try to avoid thinking about them, the more you think about it.

Besides that, almost everyone has the occasional intrusive thought. You can't avoid them, but you can avoid entertaining them.

 

It won't let me edit my post, but to add....you're not gaining any enjoyment from the thoughts. Your reaction of disgust proves that. So you're good, fren.