Hey guys. I often have sexual, racist, and downright horrible thoughts that I don’t want to have. I know that I should sit with them and let them be there but I pray every night and struggle to not ask for forgiveness for the thoughts. Any tips on how to just sit with the thoughts?

Hey buddy I really understand you I'm also a christian and my ocd started on brutal thoughts I had for about good things and It cost me so much pain and tears but remember that it's not you it's not your thoughts it's just something what you trying to avoid but the brain works opposit and this thoughts disappear when you don't scare of them just let it go I know its seems impossible sometimes But you're good and just sensitive person :)

Are you praying because you're religious or because you want to make the thoughts go away? Probably a bit of both right? Tbh i think praying to have your intrusive thoughts to go away sounds like a compulsion regardless. If you haven't already started ERP I really recommend it. You need to make a fear hierchy ladder and slowly work yourself up with exposures. Feel the anxiety and whatever sensations come, if you're doing the ERP right you should feel terrified but your anxiety levels should lower by the time you're done with an exposure :). Don't do the exposure for the purpose of getting rid of your anxiety, as that'll backfire. Also don't start with more than you can handle...also will backfire 🤣