Prayer to Bear in Temptation

Under many things we cannot bear. There are very many temptations that each of us may be predisposed to falling into. Moral weakness is the human trait. This is why Jesus included such a concern in his Lord’s Prayer:

“And do not bring us into temptation,

but rescue us from the evil one.”  

~Matthew 6:13 (NRSV)

It is every semblance of ignorant pride that has us situated with no fear for what might tempt us. No, we can be ever tempted into all manner of sin from misdemeanour to malevolence to monstrosity.

People, who have no fear for entrapment, living life with an outlook of moral abandon, are those who live life exposed to their own character assassination. And we wonder, ‘Why is it they last so long?’ It defies our more contrite approach.

Yet, they who are not watchful of temptation may generally be drawn to it, allured in some way in their least expected moment.

The Prayer Of Protection

Asking God for the awareness of temptation and the strength to bear temptation’s lure is the wisdom of humility. There’s nothing wrong with our moral weakness if we can admit it and rest, then, upon God’s power.

Many people are fooled into shrinking from their moral weaknesses. They think admitting substance, sexual, and power weaknesses make them ripe for shame. But the opposite is at play. There is only shame in not admitting our weakness. Where fear holds sway our weaknesses threaten to overthrow us. There is, however, acclamation and approval, in God’s sight, for the person that admits their weakness, availing for themselves Divine protection.

The prayer of protection, which is the prayer to bear in the midst of temptation, ensures that God knows our need. That need also needs to be shared with someone we trust—someone in the position to help us. There is real truth in the saying, a problem shared is a problem halved.

And when we confess our weaknesses before those we trust, as God is also our witness, we hear ourselves communicate, and it becomes a truth we can and do no longer deny. Too often temptations draw us into sin because we deny their truth and their power. When we confess our weaknesses, the temptation’s power mysteriously, and paradoxically, evaporates.

Before the truth, Satan cannot stand.

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The prayer to bear is seeking God’s help in the midst of any sized trial.

In acknowledging weakness we gain strength. The prayer to bear states our full recognition of our weakness, seeking Divine help to remain aware and to receive protection. Before the truth, Satan cannot stand.

© 2012 S. J. Wickham.