The Lord’s Prayer: Reflection VIII

The Lord’s Prayer with Emphasis Placed on

“Lead us not into temptation.”

This eighth reflection on the Lord’s Prayer redirects our eyes to the path the Father would have us travel rather than the path we plot when guided by the temptations arising from our sin-filled hearts.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. – Father, there is no place on earth and no person, past, present, or future, that is not affected by sin and does not have the capacity to awaken temptation within me. But in you, Heavenly Father, there is no darkness, no sin, no evil. In you, and only you, is found perfect holiness; you are the only one who can move your creation toward purity and sanctification; for this, at the very least, you are worthy of praise.

Your kingdom come, (on earth as it is in heaven). – Father, draw me closer to your kingdom in my thinking and my actions and keep the paths I walk free of temptations. Direct my mind, my eyes, and my feet so that whether in your house or in the world I would always be thinking about, seeing, and doing the work of the kingdom of heaven.

Your will be done, (on earth as it is in heaven). – Father, direct my feet so that I would always be following Jesus’s footsteps as he fulfilled your will during his time on earth. Keep my eyes, heart, and mind from such temptations that would draw me away from your holy and righteous plans.

Give us this day our daily bread, – Father, remove the temptation to think that who I am and what I have are the result of my own wisdom, will, and power. Help me acknowledge your providence in my life every day, and allow me to be a willing conduit of your providence to others.

And forgive us our debts, – Father, open my eyes so I might be able to see my failings and sins. Transform my mind so I might acknowledge my need for your forgiveness. Soften my heart so I might humble myself and accept the forgiveness you offer through the sacrifice made by your Son.

As we also have forgiven our debtors. – Father, grant me the grace to willingly forgive others, the patience to endure as many transgressions as others may commit, and replace my bitterness and anger with love and mercy.

But deliver us from evil. – Father, keep me from the evils of withholding forgiveness, constantly reminding others of their failings, and calling temptation delightful, sin acceptable, and evil good.

For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. – Father, even though this world is full of sin and our hearts full of sinful longings, we praise you for your eternally powerful and glorious kingdom which has the power over sin and death and whose glory is found in victory over temptation and corruption.