is it ok to pray for lower libido?

[dms1972]

I find myself alone much of the time and without social contact, and I find it difficult to find friends and going out socially is difficult. Church services don't always lead to fellowship, as i find it diffuclt to walk up and talk to people i don't know, and I don't really know that I beleive anymore. As a result I have found myself looking at porn, and masturbating a lot.

Earlier today, i looked not at porn per se but just sexy images (for a few minutes) , and usually i always touch, but this time i thought i'll see if i can go without doing so.

I also occasionally take agnus castus berries (also called Chaste berry), which apparently Monks used in the middle ages are said to have a anaphrodisic (lowering sex drive) effect though this is disputed, and possibly may be the opposite perhaps depending on the individual.

While I read a bit about the libido, I am not sure I understand the concept. Is it the same as sex drive? People say it can be sublimated, by exercise, creative hobbies etc.

Would it make sense sense for me to ask for God to lower my libido?

Cs Lewis said the sexual appetite in humans is more inflammed than any other appetite, and that people selling stuff want to keep it inflamed. Does libido figure in desire for stuff generally, for instance, when one spends time looking through a shop catalogue at anything and everything?

 

[Wolfe]

You can ask God for strength in your time of weakness.

But you have to stay true to God.

2 Wolves, 1 winner.
Ones good, and ones bad.
The one that wins, is the one you feed the most.

Feed the good one, and he will prevail. But don't expect the bad on to go down without a fight.

 

[St_Worm2]

Hi DMS, I struggled greatly with my painful thought-life when I was a young, single Christian, and I continued to do so until a pastor (Dr. Chuck Swindoll) told me how he conquered his thought-life when he was a young man. It included things like choosing to turn his eyes away from the porn and the half-clad pretty girls whenever he had the chance to look at them, and by immediately taking any sinful thoughts that came to mind "captive" to Christ .. 2 Corinthians 10:5. (or asking for forgiveness again and again when he failed to do so .. 1 John 1:9).

However, the thing that helped him (and now me) the most was filling his mind with the word of God. He promised me that if I did the same that the garbage that was already in there (plaguing my mind and my thought-life), would be pushed to the back and eventually eliminated (because, as it turns out, knowing God's word deeply ends up leaving us no room for that kind of stuff anymore ).

There are several ways to accomplish the task, reading or listening to the Bible, watching/listening to sermon broadcasts, and going to church and Bible Study helps as well (or a combination of all three). Without question though, the quickest way to "treasure" the word of God in your heart and mind is through Scripture memorization. It takes work, but the spiritual benefit you will reap from doing it will far outweigh any effort you put into it

If you're interested, PM me and I'll tell how to get started. BTW, I'm not talking about memorizing the entire Greek NT , just a topical verse or two per week until you have 60 or so memorized that you, and especially the Holy Spirit, can access whenever you need them.

It also helps to follow the commands/admonitions found in this passage, Philippians 4:6-8 when dealing with this (and life in general, actually). Perhaps in our case, following v8's directive about what we are to "dwell on" during the day being the most important of all

God bless you! (Numbers 6:24-26; Jude 24-25)

David

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it
according to Thy word. Thy word I have treasured
in my heart that I may not sin against Thee"
Psalm 119:9,11​

 

[mcarmichael]

Cs Lewis said the sexual appetite in humans is more inflammed than any other appetite, and that people selling stuff want to keep it inflamed. Does libido figure in desire for stuff generally, for instance, when one spends time looking through a shop catalogue at anything and everything?

YES! It's the promise of every new car.

 

[Na Nach Oi!]

I find myself alone much of the time and without social contact, and I find it difficult to find friends and going out socially is difficult. Church services don't always lead to fellowship, as i find it diffuclt to walk up and talk to people i don't know, and I don't really know that I beleive anymore. As a result I have found myself looking at porn, and masturbating a lot.

Earlier today, i looked not at porn per se but just sexy images (for a few minutes) , and usually i always touch, but this time i thought i'll see if i can go without doing so.

I also occasionally take agnus castus berries (also called Chaste berry), which apparently Monks used in the middle ages are said to have a anaphrodisic (lowering sex drive) effect though this is disputed, and possibly may be the opposite perhaps depending on the individual.

While I read a bit about the libido, I am not sure I understand the concept. Is it the same as sex drive? People say it can be sublimated, by exercise, creative hobbies etc.

Would it make sense sense for me to ask for God to lower my libido?

Cs Lewis said the sexual appetite in humans is more inflammed than any other appetite, and that people selling stuff want to keep it inflamed. Does libido figure in desire for stuff generally, for instance, when one spends time looking through a shop catalogue at anything and everything?

Truth be told. There is no significant differences between churchgoers and non-Christians. They would forget the sermon they've listened.

(1) Castrate yourself, so you won't want to see that images/videos anymore. Or, (2) you should find a spouse ASAP.

Build your career or find a job. Make a lot of money. Enjoy your job.

 

[Greg J.]

I find myself alone much of the time and without social contact, and I find it difficult to find friends and going out socially is difficult. Church services don't always lead to fellowship, as i find it diffuclt to walk up and talk to people i don't know, and I don't really know that I beleive anymore. As a result I have found myself looking at porn, and masturbating a lot.

Earlier today, i looked not at porn per se but just sexy images (for a few minutes) , and usually i always touch, but this time i thought i'll see if i can go without doing so.

I also occasionally take agnus castus berries (also called Chaste berry), which apparently Monks used in the middle ages are said to have a anaphrodisic (lowering sex drive) effect though this is disputed, and possibly may be the opposite perhaps depending on the individual.

While I read a bit about the libido, I am not sure I understand the concept. Is it the same as sex drive? People say it can be sublimated, by exercise, creative hobbies etc.

Would it make sense sense for me to ask for God to lower my libido?

Cs Lewis said the sexual appetite in humans is more inflammed than any other appetite, and that people selling stuff want to keep it inflamed. Does libido figure in desire for stuff generally, for instance, when one spends time looking through a shop catalogue at anything and everything?

Yes, of course you can ask. God knows what you are trying to deal with, knows what your request really is (if it isn't perfectly conveyed by your prayer), and most importantly knows what you really need. But our libidos are a very deep part of human nature. It is a part of what gives us strength, energy, hope, etc. Also, our libido (when it isn't making it hard not to sin) is a powerful revelation of God's love/desire for Jesus, and God's love/desire for us.

God could answer that prayer in an instant. He does as he pleases (and he loves us). However, it is probably more common that he would (1) answer that prayer over years of persistent prayer and struggle, or (2) answer that prayer in a different way than you expect (possibly over years of prayer and struggling against sin). For example, he could give you a spouse. While that won't alter your lust, it is something he could use to help you fight it.

God could also purify your heart instead of diminish your libido, because that's where the problem really lies—in fact, he will definitely do this, because that is a part of the sanctification that comes through struggling to obey God. But that is a lifetime journey of progressing purification (being refined with fire and being transformed more into Jesus' likeness). Be sure all your struggles are done while continuing to study Scripture, praying daily, and being obedient in the other areas of your life.

Note that struggling against your sins is exactly what moves God's heart to grant you success in your struggle, but it can take a long time for sexuality-related things, which are so powerful, when he is answering your prayer with sanctification (pray and don't give up). It is through a deep knowledge of various truths that you will be freed. (A Christian psychologist can sometimes help that along.) I suggest you extend your daily prayer time. The more time we spend in God's presence, the more quickly we are purified.

Btw, for a lot of people, the only way to win the battle against porn is to kill the thoughts and ideas that start the chain leading up to it. Dwelling on pornographic thoughts and images is a sin and it can rapidly become all but impossible to stop after it gets going. Memorize Bible passages for helping eject those thoughts. One is:

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Romans 13:14, 1984 NIV)

 

[PurrestInnocent]

Of course.
Pray to God about any concern and issue you have. May He help you to lower your urge: )