"And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matt. 6:13a). This phrase in the model prayer continues the focus upon our spiritual needs. As sheep in the Lord's fold, we are in need of His guidance and protection as we walk through this world of sin and darkness (Psalm 23).

God allows us to suffer and to be tempted as a means of growing and developing (James 1:12-13). He may not cause the temptation and suffering, but we know God is able to control the tempter (Job 1:12; 2:6; Luke 22:31-32). He is faithful not to allow us to be tempted in a way or to a measure that is beyond our ability to resist (1 Cor. 10:13).

Prayer is one of the weapons God has given us in our battle against temptation. On the night that Jesus was betrayed, He told Peter, James, and John to, "watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation" (Matt. 26:41a). Instead of blindly walking into the Devil's minefield every day, we should stop and ask the Lord to lead us away from these temptations and deliver us from the evil one.

This guidance and deliverance is not miraculous. We are guided by God's word, and we are delivered by God's providence. However, much like receiving our physical needs, we are to ask for this guidance and deliverance, with the faith that God is willing and able to provide.

While forgiveness of sins is available, it is God's will that we do not sin (1 John 2:1). We need help, guidance, and strength in resisting the temptations that appear in our daily lives. Perhaps if we spent more time requesting God's help in avoiding and resisting temptations, we would have to spend less time asking God to forgive us for our sins.