A. To confront what was formed by the world, the flesh, and the devil and to conform that area of thinking to the mind of Christ.

For though we live in the world we are not carrying on a worldly war, for the weapons of our warfare are not worldly but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ . . . (2 Cor. 10:3-5). For example, I may think that when I fail in some way, I forfeit God's love for me. This is a lie about the nature of God and my relationship with him as my Father. I can recognize this thought behind my discouragement or avoidance of prayer and put on the mind of Jesus who knows his identity in the Father and trusts in his love.

We are assured of victory because Jesus has rendered sin impotent (Rom. 6) and has revealed the mystery of the Father (and the Trinity). Jesus has won grace for us "so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine . . . . Now I affirm this and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds; they are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. . . . Put off your old nature . . . and be renewed in the spirit of your minds" (Eph. 4:7-24). Jesus is stronger than the devil and the sinful patterns of thinking in us. When Jesus was casting out a demon, he made this clear: When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace; but when one stronger than he assails him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoil (Luke 11:14-26). For example,

B. To increase our living contact with the truths of the Gospel.

Our greatest weapon is prayer, union with God. We can practice the presence of God continually even in this life (CCC 2743). "For we have not been commanded to work, to keep watch and to fast constantly, but it has been laid down that we are to pray without ceasing" (CCC 2742, quoting Evagrius Ponticus, also 2757 and 1 Thess. 5:17). CCC 2725-45 is devoted to "The Battle of Prayer" and discusses the temptations encountered and their remedies. We can set our thoughts (including conscious desires) on God. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Phil. 4:6-8).