Today we look at the sixth principle of prayer as outlined in Jesus’ model prayer (Matt. 6:9-13). In prayer we are to ask for God’s divine protection. “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matt. 6:13). Let us give careful thought to what is being said.
Temptation, as expressed in the Bible, can be either allurement/enticement to sin or trials/sufferings that tests us. Our request here, is not a suggestion that God would tempt us or deliberately guide us into temptation. It is, rather, submission to God’s protective guidance.
The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:13 gives this assurance in relation to God’s protection and temptation, “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.” When we face any trial or temptation there is a divine escape route that we must submit to follow.
Further, our prayer asks God to DELIVER us from the evil one. Deliver us from the power of the devil; from his snares; his devises and his temptations. The evil one has come to steal to kill and to destroy, but Christ has come to give you life and life more abundantly (John 10:10). So you must ask our Heavenly Father to protect you and push back the darkness that may come against you.