Don't struggle directly with temptation, don't pray for it to go away, don't say, “Take it from me, O God!” Then you are acknowledging the strength of the temptation and it takes hold of you. Because, although you are saying “Take it from me, O God”, basically you are bringing it to mind and fomenting it even more.
Your desire to be free of the passion will, of course, be there, but it will exist in a hidden and discreet way, without appearing outwardly. Remember what Scripture says: "Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing."
Let all your strength be turned to love for God, worship of God and adhesion to God. In this way your release from evil and from your weaknesses will happen in a mystical manner, without your being aware of it and without exertion.
Elder Porphyrios, Wounded by Love, p137
Thank you Maria for reminding me of this. I love this book.
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