And lead us not into temptation.

Matthew 6:13a

Gracious Lord,

We are weak and helpless to resist temptation on our own, and we are constantly bombarded by the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh to give in to temptation. We know that You tempt no one. “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown gives birth to death” (James 1:13-15). Help us to keep this warning in mind, Lord, that we not take temptation or sin lightly. Help us to follow Your perfect example of how to resist the devil when he tempts us. When You were tempted by Satan, You rebuked him by quoting Scripture back to him (Luke 4:1-12). Immerse us in Your Word so that we may know how to do the same and how to discern right from wrong. We know that “No temptation has overtaken [us] that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let [us] be tempted beyond [our] ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that [we] may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Lord, we all have our pet sins that we do not wish to give up. Use Your Law to convict us of our sin, and use Your Gospel to assure us that You have forgiven us. Our sins do not control us. By Your power, help us to resist temptation and take the “way of escape” that You provide. Help us not to become discouraged when we do give in to temptation, and help us ever to increase in sanctification, that we may strive to overcome temptation through the strength You provide.

Please help me in my struggle against the following temptations…

In Your name I pray. Amen.

For a full explanation of this challenge, see the post 12-Minute Prayer Challenge. If you are just joining us, feel free to continue on with us from the current day, or if you prefer, you can go back and start at Day 1.