Our Scripture Reading is taken from the Book of Ephesians 6:10-20

¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; ¹⁵ And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶ Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: ¹⁸ Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; ¹⁹ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. . . . Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. — Ephesians 6:10, 18

Jesus taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13). If this seems confusing, making you wonder who is doing the tempting, be assured that God “does not tempt anyone” (James 1:13). These words in Jesus’ prayer mean, “Do not bring us to times of trial . . .” and “Protect us when we are tempted. . . .” (Psalm 31:3-4.)

Temptation is the work of the devil, Satan. We read in Matthew 4:1 that when Jesus was in the wilderness, he was “tempted by the devil.” But it’s important to note that in the same verse we find that Jesus was “led by the Spirit into the wilderness.”

The activity of Satan and the Holy Spirit here can seem confusing, but here’s a helpful way to look at it. Satan tempts, but God tests. When we are tempted, the only way we can pass the test of temptation is by recognizing our weakness and leaning on the Lord’s strength.

This is why prayer is such an important weapon in spiritual warfare. We are defenceless without it. Through prayer, we remain connected with God, who equips us for battle and enables us to resist temptation. The Lord who conquered sin shares his victory with us! The power of sin has been defeated by the One who has delivered us from evil, and he is also the One who has taught us to pray.

Let Us Pray

Lord, I am powerless to resist temptation apart from you. Thank you for being my strength, my wisdom, and my deliverer. Keep me faithful in prayer. Amen.