Lead us not into Temptation

Jesus provides for us the model prayer, but how often do I actually pray like this?

Matthew 6:13 - "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."

Carson, in his Matthew Commentary, describes this portion of the petition this way, "Thus the Lord's model prayer ends with a petition that, while implicitly recognizing our own helplessness before the Devil whom Jesus alone could vanquish (4:1-11), delights to trust the heavenly Father for deliverance from the Devil's strengths and wiles" (pg. 174).

From this last portion of the model prayer then we learn of something intrinsic in the nature of prayer. Proper prayer involves a deep recognition of our helplessness in all of life, but especially in the face of the temptation. Prayer is a choice of delight and trust. By praying this way, we are declaring to God that it is good for us to seek His help in the face of temptation. We are declaring we need Him, if we are going to have any hope to standing up under temptation.

Do you recognize your own helplessness in the face of temptation? Before the moment of temptation arises, and you are tempted to speak harshly, delight in something impure, or indulge in that sinful habit yet again; do you acknowledge your utter helplessness to God in prayer?

Do you delight to cry out to God for help? Do you delight to trust in Him for deliverance? When faced with idol worship, do you recognize the "way out" God has given you (1 Cor 10:13)? Do recognize that, by His grace, God has equipped you to "stand up under" temptation? God is faithful and trustworthy, and we must flee from idolatry (1 Cor 10:14).