Topic(s): Prayer, Patience

Bob Prichard

Even though they had grown up as practicing Jews, and had prayed all their lives, the disciples of Jesus understood that they did not pray the way He did. “And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples” (Luke 11:1). Jesus responded with what is usually called “The Lord’s Prayer,” but is better called “The Model Prayer,” because it was given as a model of the way a disciple should pray. “And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Luke 11:2-4).

In Luke’s account, as well as in Matthew’s account of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that we should pray, “lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Luke 11:4; Matthew 6:13). A question arises, however, because James 1:13-14 says, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” If God does not tempt us anyway, why should we pray for Him to “lead us not into temptation”?

The meaning of Christ’s words becomes clear when we consider the elements of the model prayer. The prayer begins by acknowledging the greatness of God and His kingdom, and offering petitions that His will be done in heaven and in earth. The request for “daily bread” is followed by a request for forgiveness of sins, even as we also forgive others, knowing that we cannot expect forgiveness unless we may also forgive. This request for forgiveness is followed by the request, “lead us not into temptation.”

The appeal, “lead us not into temptation,” must come from one who in penitence recognizes the seriousness of sin. Paul said, “the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). The Christian wants to avoid all sin, and thus prays not to be lead into temptation, while recognizing that there is always danger in the world, and there is always temptation from Satan. The Christian wants God’s help to make sure that he does not stumble. The Christian wants to be delivered from evil in any form. God has promised, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2-4). The Christian, following God, can withstand temptation, and even grow while going through such tests, or temptations, knowing that God will work in those things to his benefit (Romans 8:28).