"Our Father"Sample

Sometimes we end our prayers with a general statement like, “Bless us all in all we do today.”

Jesus taught a very different ending.

“Lead us not into temptation” shows us that as we follow Jesus, we may be prone to wander away from him.

Jesus' words don't imply that God is going to tempt us.

Rather, they teach us to ask God to guard and preserve us because there are temptations in life.

Often the obviously dangerous temptations are not the real problem. Instead, it’s the small and subtle temptations that tend to lead us astray, like telling a partial lie (small and subtle) rather than telling a full-blown lie (obviously wrong) or like overlooking a person we don't especially like (small and subtle) rather than saying something really mean and hurtful right to their face (obviously wrong).

We easily deceive ourselves into believing we are doing the right thing or at least not doing the wrong thing. The best way to avoid falling into temptation is to follow Jesus every step of the way.

“Deliver us from the evil one” brings the prayer full circle, reminding us that there is a spiritual reality that God controls.

The evil one wants to make us comfortable giving in to temptation. He wants to lull us into seeing sin as the norm.

Jesus encourages us to pray these words so we don't forget that there is an evil one out to get us, trying to steal us from God, seeking to destroy our souls (see John 10:10).

The way Jesus teaches us to pray puts our life in perspective. It shows us God on the throne ruling over his Kingdom, working his plan, providing for all we need, forgiving us, and leading us in the way of living that keeps us close to him.

TO THINK ABOUT

What is something that tempts you every day?

Why do you think Jesus used images of being "led away" and "delivered from" temptation and evil?

When have you asked God to lead you and deliver you, and how did he do that?

How can the Lord’s Prayer help you grow in your prayer life?

Explore other resources from Young Life Discipleship, including more Bible App reading plans.