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Key Bible Verse: So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7) Dig Deeper: Ephesians 6:10-18

Now we're ready to consider a critical part of the prayer that some people overlook: "and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Let me first say that this traditional wording implies a different meaning from the original Greek text. It's more accurately expressed as "God, do not allow me to be led into temptation." It's important to realize that God does not lead us into temptation or set us up for failure. We are actually asking him to help us when temptation comes our way, to give us the power to resist and say no.

There are times for devotional prayer and other times when confrontational prayer is necessary. We must renounce the unholy one and all his fiery arrows and crafty schemes. We must take our stand against the forces of darkness in the name and power of Jesus Christ. Too often we think of prayer as a pleasant, dreamy meditation, but sometimes our prayers should be more like a street fight! If you want to make a difference with your prayers, then you can't just think of prayer as a time to sit and meditate on happy thoughts for ten minutes. At times, you and I need to confront the devil using the weapons God has given us.

—Chris Hodges in Fresh Air

My Response: How can I make better use of the "weapons God has given us" when I confront temptation?

Thought to Apply: The best way to fight against sin is to fight it on our knees.—Philip Henry (British clergyman)

Adapted from Fresh Air (Tyndale, 2012) by permission. All rights reserved by the copyright holder and/or the publisher. May not be reproduced.

Copyright © 2012 by Christianity Today/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Heavenly Father, teach me to pray with wisdom, grace, compassion, conviction, and humility.

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