Lord’s Prayer Lead Us Not Into Temptation

When His disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, the words that He used were full of wisdom on how to approach God in order that He both hear and answer their prayers. For example, when we ask God to forgive our sins while we continually hold unforgiveness toward another who harmed us, God is under no obligation to answer our prayer because forgiveness of our sin is conditional on us being willing to forgive others.

Forgive our sins, just as we have forgiven those who did wrong to us. Don’t let us be tempted, but save us from the Evil One. (Matthew 6:12-13 ERV) 

The next few words in the prayer include asking God not to lead us not into temptation. Many of us have an inflated image of ourselves. We think our way of doing things is better than God’s way, or, without giving it much thought, we disregard another person’s proven way.  We are full of the very thing that caused Satan to fall from heaven. Satan was a created angelic being yet was tempted by ‘pride of self’ to establish his own way.

You were like the morning star, but you have fallen from the sky. In the past, all the nations on earth bowed down before you,….but now you have been cut down. You always told yourself, “I will go to the skies above. I will put my throne above God’s stars. (Isaiah 14:12-13a ERV)

Jesus sent His disciples ahead of Him to towns and villages He was about to visit. When they returned, they were excited that demons were subject to them. Jesus warned them about the temptation of pride and instead to glorify God’s work in them. 

We have a Power greater than ourselves to restore us to sanity. Let’s humble ourselves and give glory to God for it, lest we be led into temptation.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Lead me not into temptation but give me the humility to acknowledge and give praise for all You have done through Jesus on my behalf.  Amen

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