As sinners, we are all tempted before we sin. The problem is there is not way to prevent being tempted. It is the way it is. However, when temptation strikes, there are ways to help us resist satan’s temptations.
Step 1. When temptations come: Pause. Whether the temptation is to anger or sex, simply pause.
Step 2: Think about the temptation. Is what you are contemplating or reacting to sinful?
Step 3: Ask your self, what would God want you to do? Would he want you to yell an obscenity at the other driver? Would God want you to lust after another person?
Step 4: Ask the Holy Spirit for the graces to resist the temptation.
Step 5: Say:
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and Blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.Step 6: If necessary, skip steps 1-4 and go directly to step 5. Use step 5 as often as you need to during the day. If you’re like me, you will use Step 5 a lot each day!
