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MEDITATION:

Excerpted from the “Renewing Hope” First Place Bible Study Series.

A T-shirt slogan reads “Lead me not into temptation—I can find it myself.” Of course, the comment was meant to be amusing or perhaps even seductive, but the one-liner raises an interesting question: Do we really mean what we say when we ask not to be led into temptation? If most of us are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that we seldom really want to be delivered from temptation, mainly because temptation promises us way too much fun. Temptation stirs the blood and inflames the imagination. As a matter of fact, if we were revolted by temptation, it wouldn’t be temptation at all. Occasionally we are given the grace to see where temptation will take us, and we cry out for deliverance before the fact. But usually temptation doesn’t seem all that bad because, rather than repulse us, it arouses our desire. If temptation brought chains to bind us, we might be able to resist it on our own. But on the surface, temptation does not appear to be an oppressive force. As a matter of fact, it entices us with promises of prosperity and unbound freedom. It brings flowers, candy, and perfume; it offers comfort and cheer. Temptation promises good times and satisfaction as it bribes us with wealth and popularity and the freedom to have it our way. Rather than resisting temptation, we dabble with it, debate with it, flirt with it—and in the process, we invite it into our lives. It is only after we are ensnared that we cry out to God for deliverance from the consequences of our disobedience. We fall prey to temptation because we did not pray for deliverance before the fact. Both prayer and planning are part of our commitment to balanced, healthy living. Praying and planning are the things we do so that God will honor our prayer that we not be led into temptation.

PRAYER:

From the Mozarabic Breviary, a liturgical rite of the Latin Church once used generally in the Iberian Peninsula (Hispania), in what is now Spain and Portugal.  Developed during Visigoth (Arian Christian) rule of the Iberian peninsula  in the 500s AD.      

Grant us, O Lord, to pass this day in gladness and peace, without stumbling and without stain; that reaching the eventide victorious over all temptation, we may praise Thee, the eternal God, who art blessed, and dost govern all things, world without end. Amen.