Prayer for Purity and Freedom from Lust

“Let us be drawn by the example of Mary Magdalene’s repentance; for no chain of sin is too strong for the mercy of Christ.” — Pope St. Gregory the Great

Public Domain: Christ on the Cross with Mary Magdalene by Follower of Simon Vouet via Art Institute of Chicago.

The Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, You looked with mercy upon Mary Magdalene and freed her from the chains of sin. Through her tears of repentance and her love for You, she was made pure and whole. I come before You today asking for that same mercy and cleansing grace. Heal the wounds of lust within me — the desires that darken my soul and turn my heart away from You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that my eyes, my mind, and my body may seek only what is holy and true. Saint Mary Magdalene, disciple of Jesus and witness to His Resurrection, pray for me — that I may love Christ as you did, with a heart made new by forgiveness, and a life transformed by His divine mercy. Lord, give me purity of heart, courage in temptation, and peace in the battle for holiness. I surrender my weakness to Your Sacred Heart, trusting that in Your mercy, I will be made clean. Amen.

About This Prayer

This Prayer for Lust draws inspiration from the powerful conversion of Saint Mary Magdalene, who turned from sin to become one of Jesus’ most faithful followers. She is the model of repentance and the proof of Christ’s boundless mercy — once burdened by sin, she was the first to see the risen Lord. This prayer invites the faithful to follow her example: to seek healing, purity, and freedom from lust through Jesus’ mercy, and to rediscover true love rooted in holiness.

When To Pray

This prayer may be prayed at any time one seeks to overcome temptation, renew purity, or ask for strength to live chastely. It is especially powerful when prayed before the Blessed Sacrament, during times of spiritual struggle, or before receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Many Catholics also turn to this devotion during Lent, seasons of personal renewal, or on July 22, the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, whose life bears witness to Christ’s mercy and transforming love.