Spiritual Strategies for Overcoming Temptations
In order to overcome temptations and cravings for morally disapproved desires, specific spiritual measures are essential, as they help guide the inner struggle in a constructive direction. First and foremost, it is recommended to turn to prayer as a way to ask God for the gift of patience, support, and grace during difficult moments. For example, one source instructs: "When you are tempted to sin, accompany your prayer with a few earthly prostrations, and the temptation will pass. When there is a suitable time, reflect upon the Incarnation of the Savior and God’s mercy towards You: remember how many times you have been forgiven, delivered from misfortunes, and rescued from temptations." (source: link txt)Furthermore, the necessity of arming oneself with spiritual fortifications long before the onset of temptations is emphasized: "May the spiritual song be in your mouth, and let the teaching ease the burden of the temptations that lie ahead of you. We must prepare ourselves before temptations come. For this way we will be skillful when they come upon us." (source: link txt)Also, the practice of internal struggle with oneself is embraced – acknowledging that victory over one’s own lusts is the hardest of all victories, which requires constant effort and humility: "What heavenly rewards are given only for spiritual victories (spiritual feats). And as is known, the hardest victory is the victory over oneself, over one’s own lusts. 'The battle with oneself is the most difficult battle. The victory among victories is the victory over oneself,' says F. Logau." (source: link txt)Equally important is the self-reproach of one’s actions upon the emergence of temptations, which helps to identify weaknesses and stimulates spiritual growth: "In all your temptations, condemn yourself. Those weak in spirit should recognize the visitation of the Lord and His mercy towards them manifested in bodily illnesses, misfortunes, and external temptations." (source: link txt)Finally, soulful humility holds a special place in the process of resisting temptations. Humility, as taught by one source, helps to eradicate sinful passions and attract God’s grace: "The Gospel commandments teach the monk humility, and the cross perfects him in humility. Humility eradicates from the soul and body all sinful passions and draws God’s grace to it." (source: link txt)Thus, the comprehensive set of measures includes regular prayer with earthly prostrations, spiritual arming through song and teaching, self-criticism, and utmost humility, all of which collectively contribute to resilience in the face of temptations and the strengthening of one’s spiritual victory over oneself.