Protection

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13

Key Verse: Matthew 6:13

Sometimes it can feel like the world is throwing a lot of punches our way and that God is nowhere in sight. However, prayer allows us to communicate all of that to God. He is here for us and wants to see us succeed. For this reason and a plethora of others, Jesus closes out the prayer asking for protection. He recognizes that nothing is possible without God including His very survival on Earth. We must take note of this and pray that God protects us as well. 

Verse 13 begins by Jesus asking not to be led into temptation. Jesus understands that the same God who allows us to be tested has the potential to save us from that test. It is important to note that He is not asking for our faith not to be tested. Jesus understands that it is these tests that allow us to strengthen our relationship with God. However, what He is asking and what we should be asking is that God doesn’t allow us to become wrapped up in the thing He just released us from. God still gives us the power to make our own choices, but this prayer asks that He order our steps to go where He wants us to go. We are asking that when we overcome a battle that we don’t revisit it. We must be open and prepared to be tested while resisting the temptation that can cause us to sin. It seems really complex, but by asking for help from the Lord we are guaranteed the victory. 

The second part of verse 13 asks for deliverance from the evil one. I always find it so interesting that deliverance comes after we ask God not to lead us into temptation. In a way, it’s like we are telling God even if we mess us please come save us. There is so much beauty in that transparency because on the one hand, it means that we recognize that the devil can always find ways to turn our pleasure into pain. Yet, on the other hand, it means that we acknowledge the greatness of the God we serve. He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we can ask or think. So, to Him, a prayer for deliverance is a small pebble in the pond full of blessings that He has waiting for us. Our ultimate purpose in praying is to honor God and all that He is. When we make our request for freedom known, it is already done. We must also remember that earlier in the prayer we asked for God’s will to be done. John 10:10 tells us that the devil comes to kill, steal, and destroy, while God comes to give life. If we combine the prayer with that verse, we will be reminded that it is not in God’s will for us to suffer. Thus, deliverance from evil is a nonnegotiable as long as we put our trust in God. 

Prayer is an important part of our relationship with God. It is the way that we stay in communication with Him. We serve an all-knowing yet jealous God. We can’t afford to give more attention to things of this world than we do to Him. He is the only one who can help us stay away from temptation and deliver us from the hands of the devil. Talk to Him today. Tell Him what is on your mind, so that He can help you start the journey towards a new life.

Prayer: Lord thank you for being so merciful. I know that I do not deserve anything you have given me, but every day you continue to supply me with more. I am blessed to be loved by you. Please help me to stay away from temptation and deliver me from all of the devil’s schemes. I love you, Lord. I need you now more than ever. Cover me with your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.