“The enemy knows our weaknesses, but God gives us the power to overcome.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 28, 2025
Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil [or, the evil one]. Matthew 6:13
Jesus’ prayer wisely seeks to avoid temptation, helping us sidestep the pitfalls of succumbing to its invitation to sin. Charles Spurgeon expands on this idea: “What we are taught to seek or shun in prayer, we should equally pursue or avoid in action. Very earnestly, therefore, should we avoid temptation, seeking to walk so guardedly in the path of obedience, that we may never tempt the devil to tempt us.” Jesus is our example. The Son of God was tempted yet without sin, and in that same way, the children of God are empowered to resist sin and not fall for the tempter’s tricks that can lead to bad behavior. We should pray to prevent temptation from leading us to sin. Why would we put ourselves in a position to be tempted, like a child playing ball near a busy street? Better for us to play near the safe field of obedience than the street of sin.
We should pray not to be led into temptation because we are all vulnerable to making wrong choices when faced with sin. Why? Because temptation is sneaky—it often appears harmless at first, but it can pull us away from God before we even realize it. Praying against temptation means asking Jesus for the strength to resist what is not good for us. It’s saying, “Lord, help me recognize the trap before I fall into it.” The enemy knows our weaknesses, but God gives us the power to overcome. We are less likely to stumble when we stay prayerful and focused on Jesus!
Praying to avoid temptation isn’t just about avoiding sin—it’s about staying spiritually strong and asking God for wisdom and guidance when struggles come your way. Here’s how you can pray to keep your heart and mind focused on Him: Ask for Strength, “Lord, give me the strength to resist anything that pulls me away from You.” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Temptation is powerful, but God is stronger. Ask Him to give you the strength to stand firm when you feel weak. Pray for Awareness: “God, open my eyes to recognize temptation before I fall into it.”
Sometimes, we don’t even realize we’re being tempted until it’s too late. Pray for the wisdom to see danger before it traps you. Pray for a Changed Heart: “Help me desire what is good and turn away from sin” (Psalm 51:10). Temptation loses its power when your heart truly desires what is good. Ask God to change your desires so that you crave righteousness over sin. Pray for the Right People: “Surround me with friends who encourage my faith, not lead me astray.” Who you spend time with matters. Pray for Christ-centered relationships that help you grow in faith rather than pull you into temptation. Pray for a Way Out: “When I feel tempted, show me the way of escape” (Matthew 6:13). Temptation isn’t a sin—giving in is. God always provides a way out; pray that you recognize and take it. Staying connected to God daily through prayer helps you stand firm against temptation. Praying for prevention precludes the need to be cured of sin!
I’ll close with Spurgeon once again: “Prevention is better than cure: it is better to be so well armed that the devil will not attack you, than to endure the perils of the fight.”
Prayer
Lord, guide my heart and mind away from temptation. Give me strength to resist, wisdom to see danger, and the desire to follow You. Lead me in righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
What area of your life needs prayer and action so you will not be tempted?
Related Reading
Psalm 141:4; Proverbs 4:14-15; Matthew 26:41; James 1:13-14
Worship Resource
Taya: One and Only
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
