When we struggle to do what's right it can be helpful to remember that God knows about the battle and provides a promise for success with a clear strategy for attaining: it is keep alert and pray.
The sinful self wants what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit wants what is against the sinful self. They are always fighting against each other, so that you don’t do what you really want to do. Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Galatians 5:17 ERV, Matthew 26:41 GNT)



The Bible teaches that the evil one is continually looking for ways to destroy us.  Only God can keep us safe from Satan’s attacks and show us the right way to proceed.  Our job is to pray and pay attention.

Jesus prayed: “I am not asking you to take them out of the world. But I am asking that you keep them safe from the Evil One. They don’t belong to the world, just as I don’t belong to the world.” (John 17:15-16 ERV)


When Jesus’ followers asked him how to pray Jesus included in that prayer a request to God for help with temptation:  Keep us from sinning when we are tempted. Save us from the evil one. (Matthew 6:13 NIRV)

How do we pray for this needed help? We humbly admit to God that we are powerless to overcome temptation without Him. We bring our challenging thoughts and circumstances to God. We neither hide them nor avoid them.  We ask God for His wisdom and guidance. We make a choice to resist the temptation, affirming the promises of God we have read in the Bible to be living truth in this moment and ongoing. We must be intentional and persistent in surrendering ourselves to God’s care and proclaiming His truth.  He can be trusted to do the rest.


Prayer:  Loving God, You have all power over every kind of temptation.  Help me to stay alert to the work of the evil one who is seeking to destroy me.  Help me to stand firm on Your promises. I will keep looking to You and will trust You for the help I need.  I proclaim that Jesus is Lord over everything in heaven and earth.  I will have victory through Jesus because He never leaves me and will never forsake me.  Amen

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