“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” — Matthew 26:41 (BSB)
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13 (BSB)
“Do not let my heart be drawn to any evil thing; let me not take part in the deeds of the wicked.” — Psalm 141:4 (BSB)
Temptation comes from many directions: the sinful desires of my own heart, the allurements of the world, and the attacks of the devil. This petition acknowledges my weakness and asks God to help me resist these threats. It teaches me to watch and pray, to flee from sin, and to seek refuge in Christ.
I pray that I would not be hardened by sin or deceived by falsehood, but that I would be kept in holiness and truth. This petition is a daily confession of spiritual poverty—a recognition that I need God’s help not only to be forgiven, but to stay faithful.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “This is the prayer of a disciple who knows the battlefield. It is a cry for protection from sin and for the strength to walk in righteousness.”
Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) explains, “Temptation is real, and our hearts are prone to wander. This prayer is not a denial of danger but a dependence on divine grace.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer reflects this petition in the daily Confession of sin, the Collect for Grace, and in the Litany where we ask, “From all sin, from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil: Good Lord, deliver us.”
J.C. Ryle wrote, “To be tempted is not sin—but to trifle with temptation is spiritual folly. This petition teaches us to fear sin, watch our steps, and cling to Christ.” (Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, 1865)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “This prayer is spiritual warfare. When you pray it, you’re asking God to guard your heart and lead your steps on the narrow way that leads to life.”
To pray “Lead us not into temptation” glorifies Christ because it declares our need for His strength, submits our lives to His leadership, and seeks holiness through His power.
St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200–258 AD): “This prayer teaches humility. We admit our frailty and ask the Lord to keep us from the snares that would destroy our souls.” — On the Lord’s Prayer, 21
St. Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335–395 AD): “To pray this is to confess that we are not strong, that we need a shepherd to guide our steps and protect us from harm.” — On the Lord’s Prayer, 6
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “Temptation is the forge of virtue or the fire of destruction. We pray to pass through it not alone, but with the grace of God to shield and sustain us.” — Homily on Matthew, 19
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
PO Box 873
Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
