Human Frailty and Divine Protection — 
The Final Phrase of the Lord’s Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer could be considered the central prayer of the Christian faith. After all, it’s the prayer given by Jesus Himself. Each phrase in this profound prayer reveals layers of meaning and reflection for our lives as believers. Today, we dig into the strange but powerful last phrase of the Lord’s Prayer as it is found in the scriptures: "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil."

Where This Phrase Fits in the Lord’s Prayer

When writing on the Lord’s Prayer, Charles Spurgeon in a sermon in 1878 offers an intriguing observation on the structure of the Lord’s Prayer. Spurgeon says it’s structured like a ladder that the prayer descends. But, he points out, in an economy of grace, a downward ladder goes upward, closer to rather than further from God and the truth.
“The text is the Lord’s prayer, and the exposition is divided into most instructive heads. “Our Father which art in heaven:” a child away from home. “Hallowed be thy name:” a worshipper. “Thy kingdom come:” a subject. “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven:” a servant. “Give us this day our daily bread:” a beggar. “And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors:” a sinner. “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:” a sinner in danger of being a greater sinner still.”

This progression culminates in the acknowledgment of our vulnerability to temptation and the need for divine protection and deliverance. It's a humble admission of our human frailty and an affirmation of our reliance on God's grace and guidance throughout our spiritual journey.

The Enigma of Praying "Lead us not into temptation."

The phrase "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil" has sparked theological debates and contemplation for centuries. At first glance, it may seem puzzling to ask God not to lead us into temptation. It seems to imply that God might purposely put us in a place where we are enticed into sin.

Over the centuries, theologians have tried to make this prayer say something else, since the suggestion that God would entice us to sin seems preposterous. While we may struggle to understand some scriptures, we don’t reword them just because they are difficult. Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs clarifies that the traditional wording is correct and rejects attempts to rephrase it as merely avoiding testing or falling victim to temptation.

How, then, do we understand this text? There is a literary device often used in the scriptures that sheds light on the meaning without doing violence to the text.

The Negative/Positive Couplet

This petition presents a unique structure—a negative plea followed by a positive affirmation of trust in God's deliverance. It echoes sentiments found in Psalms, where the psalmist implores God not to cast him away but to uphold him and rush to his aid.

The contrast between what God does not do (lead us into temptation) and what He does (deliver us from evil) highlights our complete dependence on Him for spiritual strength and protection.

Embracing Vulnerability and Dependence

My friend, Don Henschel, used to say the he believed he was "about a week away from any sin given the right circumstances.” His words encapsulate the essence of this petition — a plea for divine support because of our overwhelming weakness and susceptibility to sin.

In praying this petition, we confront our vulnerabilities and express our utter dependence on God's grace and mercy. It's a prayer of surrender, recognizing that without God's guidance, we are powerless against the forces that seek to lead us astray.

Martin Luther’s Small Catechism Sums It Up Nicely

In his Small Catechism, a book Martin Luther originally wrote to help the head of the household teach his children, Dr. Luther writes:
“And lead us not into temptation. What does this mean? God, indeed, tempts no one; but we pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us, so that the devil, the world, and our flesh may not deceive us, nor seduce us into misbelief, despair, and other great shame and vice; and though we be assailed by them, that still we may finally overcome and gain the victory.”

The Heart of the Prayer

Ultimately, the petition "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil" captures the underpinnings of our faith journey — a continuous reliance on God's guidance, protection, and deliverance. It's a prayer that acknowledges our human weaknesses while affirming our trust in God's unwavering love and care for His children.

Much grace and peace to you!