Lord, Teach Us To Pray: Week Seven
Matthew 6:9-13
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. James 1:13-14
Temptation throughout Scripture
Internal Enticement
External Enticement
Temptation as trial
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2-3
Why should we pray “Lead us not into temptation”?
Because of our weakness
Because of the difficulty of temptations and trials
“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39
“When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44
Why should we pray for God to “Deliver us from evil”?
Because of Satan’s cunning lies
Because of God’s power over Satan
He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Colossians 2:15
And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony...” Revelation 12:10–11
PRAYER PROMPTS
Pray that God would spare you from trial and temptation.
“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me…” Matthew 26:39a
Pray that God would give you joy if trial should come your way.
“…nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39b
“But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:13
Pray that God would deliver you from evil, for the sake of your testimony and for the sake of the Gospel.
“Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me…” Psalm 59:1
“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2:12
Life Group Discussion Questions
Looking back through the Lord’s prayer so far, what aspect of the prayer has been most beneficial to your spiritual life?
What is God’s purpose in leading us into trials? Why should we pray to be spared from them?
Where are you most tempted by the evil one - Pride, pleasure, or power?
Share a testimony about a time when God delivered you from Satan or from evil.
The prayer is shaped not by individual wording, but rather by congregational wording. In light of this, how can we specifically apply this prayer to our church body?