Praying Like JesusSample

Lead Us Not Into Temptation, But Deliver Us From the Evil One

Whether you’ve heard our spiritual enemy’s mission once or countless times, allow this present reality to sink in: He comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (see John 10:10).

A master of disguise, the devil targets our individual and collective weaknesses. But we can spot his schemes in the fears and anxiety we experience, the doubts we mull over, and the ugly and hateful words we say or hear. He lures us with a myriad of distractions to keep us from God’s best. He’s involved in every broken relationship, and he works to attack our health and well-being—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

It’s heartbreakingly evident that the devil is behind most division, even within Christ’s body. It’s no wonder that Jesus tells us to pray for deliverance from the evil one in the Lord’s Prayer.

Remember, being tempted is not a sin. We know Jesus experienced temptation during His time in the wilderness after His baptism. Yet, although His flesh was weak and hungry, Jesus relied on His Father’s strength and stood firm against the temptations the enemy brought before Him. He fought back with the weapon of Truth, which is the living, powerful, soul-dividing Word of God.

We can fight temptation in a number of ways—renewing our minds by studying, meditating on, and living according to God’s Word, having an accountability partner, and keeping ourselves far from the things and situations that trigger us.

Ultimately, protection from our sinful flesh and the enemy’s schemes is as simple as asking for God’s help through prayer. After all, Scripture declares: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NIV).

Pause and Reflect

Is there an area of your life where you need to address a recurring temptation? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your steps away from temptation, and ask for His protection from all the attacks of the evil one.

Pray

Mighty Father, awaken me—and all my brothers and sisters in Christ—to continually live in total dependence on You. Forgive me when I prioritize satisfying my flesh over seeking You and Your ways. Stir me to take hold of You and Your promises. I praise You for Your power that works in and through my weaknesses. Christ in me is more than enough! Reveal to me everything that causes me to stumble, so I can stay clear of it and wholly pursue You. You are my helper and the strength of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.