If you find yourself struggling with a porn addiction, know that healing is possible through renewing your mind with the truth of Scripture and inviting Jesus into your thought life.
(This is a powerful exercise and NOT to be discounted NOR interpreted to be an unhelpful: “read your Bible more”.)
One powerful way to begin this process is through imaginative prayer, placing yourself in a Gospel story with Jesus. By practicing this habit, you begin to allow Jesus’ image and presence to transform your mind, bringing freedom from the patterns of addictive thoughts.
The Power of Imagining Jesus in the Gospel Stories
Porn addiction, like many other addictive behaviors, takes hold in the mind by creating strong images and thought patterns that are difficult to break. But Romans 12:2 encourages us to be “transformed by the renewing of our minds.” One effective way to renew your mind is through meditation on Scripture, especially the stories of Jesus. By entering into these Gospel scenes in your imagination, you can invite the presence of Jesus into your mental and emotional space, allowing Him to bring healing and truth to the lies that addiction thrives on.
This practice engages your brain’s “neuroplasticity,” the ability to rewire thought patterns. Repeated exposure to unhealthy images (like porn) builds strong neural pathways, but you can begin to overwrite those pathways by meditating on Scripture and imagining yourself with Jesus. As you do this, you are inviting Jesus to rewrite the “pictures” in your mind, helping you heal from addiction.
Listening Prayer Exercise: Jesus Calms the Storm
Let’s walk through an example of how to use a Gospel story to invite Jesus into your healing.
1. Settle in God’s presence:
Take a few moments to calm your mind. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Acknowledge that Jesus is with you right now.
2. Read the Scripture:
Slowly read Mark 4:35-41, the story of Jesus calming the storm. Imagine yourself in the scene with the disciples.
– “That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side.’ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down, and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’” (Mark 4:35-40 NIV)
3. Imagine yourself in the scene:
– Picture yourself in the boat, feeling the panic as the storm rages around you. What emotions come up? Maybe they are similar to the feelings of being caught in the storm of addiction.
– See Jesus sleeping peacefully. Imagine yourself waking Him up, just as the disciples did. Tell Him about the “storm” of your addiction. Be honest with Him about your struggle.
4. Ask Jesus to speak:
– After you’ve shared with Him, invite Him to speak to the storm in your life. What does He say? Listen closely. Does He rebuke the storm? Does He speak calm and peace over your heart? Allow Him to minister to you as He did with His disciples.
5. Rest in His peace:
– As Jesus calms the storm, imagine the stillness of the sea. Sit in the peace He offers you. What does His presence feel like? Stay in this place of peace for a while, allowing His love to wash over you.
6. Closing reflection:
– Take time to reflect on this experience. How did it feel to have Jesus speak to the storm of your addiction? What new perspective did He offer? Write down any insights or words He gave you during this time.
Invitation to Deeper Healing
If you found this exercise helpful but feel like there’s more healing that needs to happen, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can explore more Gospel stories and invite Jesus into the broken places of your heart, leading to freedom from addiction and lasting peace.
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone—reach out today to begin your healing journey with Jesus.
I’m happy to refer you to a male coach too.
See link below…
Merri Ellen Giesbrecht
Life Coach & Spiritual Director
Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box 
Leave a comment