Teach Us to Pray Lead Us Not Into Temptation Day 3

Luther’s Insights for Prayer

From Luther’s Small Catechism

 

Lead us not into temptation, ..”

What does this mean?

God tempts no one. We pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us so that the devil, the world, and our sinful nature may not deceive us or mislead us into false belief, despair, and other great shame and vice. Although we are attacked by these things, we pray that we may finally overcome them and win the victory.

..but deliver us from evil.”

What does this mean?

We pray in this petition, in summary, that our Father in heaven would rescue us from every evil of body and soul, possessions and reputation, and finally, when our last hour comes, give us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to Himself in heaven.

Temptation is powerfully present for each of us.  It comes from outside of us in this sin filled, broken world in which we live. Sin does attack us!  Temptation also comes from within us!  Our own sinful nature attacks us, tempts us, pressures us. But not our gracious God! He is not the tempter! Instead, He has our back as guide and guard! Instead, He is, above all, the deliverer!

Pray earnestly for His powerful presence, guiding you, guarding you, supporting you in this sinful world, protecting you even from yourself.