Have you ever considered what is commonly called the Lord’s Prayer? In the Good News recorded by Matthew, Jesus says this is how we should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.*
There’s something odd about the part that says, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Does God tempt people? No!
James 1 makes that very clear – God doesn’t tempt anyone. Why in the world would we need to pray for God to not lead us into temptation? That just doesn’t make sense.
One commentator has suggested that the text can allow us to include the word “You.” Actually, it’s already there in the possessive form. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Now, add the word you to the rest…
You give us our daily bread.
You forgive us our debts. and…
You don’t lead us into temptation but You deliver us from the evil one.
Our Father is our deliver and we don’t need protection from him. Would you consider thanking your Dad in heaven for protecting you from temptation and evil?
cultural atheist 