Lead Us Not Into Temptation. Following Jesus from the Edges.

Lead Us Not into Temptation

Pastor Calvin Cook

October 5, 2026  – Day 26 of 30

Praying for Ourselves

“And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13

While praying the Lord’s Prayer this week, I paused over one line: “Lead us not into temptation.”

Temptation is defined by resisting the testing and trial. A moment when our faith and obedience are tested.  But by who and from where? James shares: “For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” James 1:13

I draw the conclusion that temptation is coming from the evil one. It is what draws us away from the presence but more importantly the dependence we should have on God.

God is not luring us away from being with God or living into holiness.

When we pray, “Lead us not into temptation,” we ask God to keep us close when we are tested and to deliver us from evil. Temptation invites us to satisfy a desire outside God’s will. It may begin with a small compromise, an undisciplined thought,  or the belief that our choices will harm anyone.

Jesus was tempted yet remained sinless. Temptation becomes dangerous when we entertain, think about it or give into it.

In my prayer and reflection, I found myself and continue to find myself in a place to pray against temptation before it ever comes. For daily minute to minute strength at the start of the new day. Because I know there will be and are things that are tempting us away from God’s will even right now.

This is why living a life within the power of the Holy Spirit becomes so very important. Living in the direction of the Holy Spirit against the temptations and trials that are meant to draw you away and separate you from the holiness of God.

Recognize your vulnerable places. Be honest about the situations, emotions, relationships, and habits that weaken your obedience. And pray through every situation that comes to keep centered on the One true God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

A friend of mine who is in recovery of alcoholism and addiction recently shared these steps on a handwritten note:

Know God’s Word. Jesus answered temptation with Scripture, and God’s truth exposes temptation’s lies.

Take the way of escape. Leave the room, end the conversation, turn off the screen, or call a trusted friend.

Walk with the Holy Spirit and other believers. Jesus taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation.” We need prayer, to be held accountable, and Christian fellowship.

My friend ended up with these words : Confession before it happens ! The goal is not merely to avoid temptation but to remain close to Jesus. Temptation becomes crap, it loses power when our deepest desire is to be within the presence of God.

Good words for us all –

Prayer : Holy Spirit lead me away from every path that draws me from you. Shield the vulnerable places in my life from the evil one. Lead me away from every path that draws me from You. Give me courage to face them honestly with you guiding me through. Keep my heart centered on Jesus. Amen

Today’s prayer step: Identify one situation, habit, thought, or emotion that weakens your focus upon God. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the way of escape, live in to walking with Jesus from the edges of your life and see where God wants to take you.