Evil or unwanted thoughts, whether of anger, lust, envy, resentment, or despair, come to everyone, and having them is not a sin. What matters is how we respond. The spiritual tradition teaches that the best defense is to turn quickly to God rather than argue with the thought. This traditional collect asks God, in the language of the old prayer books, to stretch out His right hand to protect us from evil thoughts and unclean desires. Pray it in the morning, at night when the m

Temptation rarely gives us time for long prayers. That is why the saints recommended short aspirations, sometimes called ejaculatory prayers: a few words that can be said in a heartbeat, out loud or silently, the moment a temptation begins. "Jesus, mercy! Mary, help!" is one of the best loved, and it is short enough to memorize at once. Use it the moment you notice a temptation to anger, impurity, gossip, discouragement, or any sin, and repeat it as often as you need to. Call