Teach Us to Prayနမူနာ

Deliverance in Prayer

"Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil”:

This particular portion of the Lord's Prayer holds a profound message about the reality of temptation and testing in our lives. It acknowledges that temptation is not a mere abstract concept but a genuine and present challenge that we, as humans, encounter. These temptations can originate from various sources: the desires of our own flesh, the allure of the world, and even the influence of malevolent spiritual forces, often referred to as the devil or powers of darkness.

Throughout His public ministry, Jesus Himself faced numerous trials and engaged in a spiritual battle against these forces of darkness. This was a crucial aspect of His Mission, as He sought to reclaim control of the world from the grip of these powers. It's essential to recognize that when we align ourselves with Jesus and participate in this battle to see the Kingdom of God realise around us, we too will encounter temptation and undergo various trials. These tests may manifest as challenges to our faith, moral dilemmas, or even persecution for our beliefs.

However, the key takeaway is that we do not face these dangers alone. In the midst of our trials and temptations, we stand alongside Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. He is not only our steadfast companion but also our Ultimate Source of victory and deliverance. When we pray, "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil," we are not merely seeking protection from trials; we are claiming the victory that Christ has already achieved.

In this battle for restoration and righteousness, we are not striving for victory; rather, we are fighting from a position of victory that Christ secured through His Life, Death, and Resurrection. This perspective reminds us that we are not helpless in the face of temptation and testing; instead, we possess the Authority and Power of Christ to overcome them.

So, when we confront temptation, when we encounter trials, we can do so with confidence, knowing that we have the victorious Christ by our side. We pray for His Guidance to avoid falling into temptation, and we trust in His Deliverance to lead us through the challenges we encounter. It's a profound reminder that our faith is not a solitary journey but a shared mission with Christ, who empowers us to face adversity with courage and resilience.

Reflections Questions

• Can you recall a specific instance when you felt the need for God's Guidance and Protection in the face of temptation or adversity? What did that experience teach you about your faith?

Prayer

Dear Lord, shield me from the snares of temptation that seek to entangle me and lead me astray. Strengthen my heart to resist the allure of wrongdoing and sin. Grant me the wisdom to discern the paths that lead me away from You and the courage to choose the path of Righteousness and Truth. Help me to stand firm in my faith, anchored in Your unwavering Love. In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen.