¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. (Galatians 5:17 CSB)

Probably the greatest difficulty in the Christian life is the nagging desires of the flesh. We may want to do what is right, but our sinful nature keeps dragging us down and we do what we do not want.

I have written many times about the battle that wages constantly between the flesh and the spirit. The enemy will continually put things in our path to keep us distracted from where the Spirit is leading us.

So what is one to do?

Well, for each of us this can be a difficult question. Furthermore, it is different for each of us. However, one thing that I know to be true is that the enemy and the flesh cannot stand against the power of prayer.

You see, while not impossible, it is at least very difficult to do the wrong thing while praying the right prayer. Even using it as a hedge against our own sinful desire, prayer can set our mind upon the right path.

So when you find yourself distracted by things of the flesh, pray your way out of it.