The next-to-last phrase in the Lord's prayer is a petition for
protection from Satan: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver
us from the evil one."
Is such a prayer necessary? Would God ever lead us into
temptation? James 1:13 says, "When people are tempted they should
not say, 'God is tempting me.' Evil cannot tempt God, and God
himself does not tempt anyone." If God does not tempt us, then why
pray, "Lead us not into temptation"? These words trouble the most
sophisticated theologian.
But they don't trouble a child. And this is a prayer for the
child-like heart. This is a prayer for those who look upon God as
their Abba. This is a prayer for those who have already talked to
their Father about provision for today ("Give us our daily bread.")
and pardon for yesterday ("Forgive us our debts."). Now the child
needs assurance about protection for tomorrow.
The phrase is best understood with a simple illustration. Imagine
a father and son walking down an icy street. The father cautions the
boy to be careful, but the boy is too excited to slow down. He hits
the first patch of ice. Up go the feet and down plops the bottom.
Dad comes along and helps him to his feet. The boy apologizes for
disregarding the warning and then, tightly holding his father's big
hand, he asks, "Keep me from the slippery spots. Don't let me fall
again."
The Father is so willing to comply. "The steps of the godly are
directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by
the hand" (Ps. 37:23--24 TLB). Such is the heart of this petition.
It's a tender request of a child to a father. The last few slips
have taught us--the walk is too treacherous to make alone. So we
place our small hand in his large one and say, "Please, Abba, keep
me from evil."
