19. How might we pray with regard to temptation?

¹⁹ By the request, “Do not bring us into temptation,” we in effect ask Jehovah not to allow us to succumb when tempted or pressured to disobey him. We can entreat our Father to guide our steps so that no temptation will come our way that is too severe for us. In this regard, Paul wrote: “No temptation has taken you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for you to be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) We can pray that Jehovah lead us so that we are not tempted beyond what we can bear and that he provide a way of escape when we are sorely distressed. Temptations are from the Devil, our sinful flesh, and the weaknesses of others, but our loving Father can guide us so that we are not overwhelmed.

For instance, if we are interested in getting married, we may need to ask Jehovah to deliver us from Satan’s designs and from temptation to cultivate worldly relationships that can lead to immorality or to disobeying God by marrying an unbeliever. (Deuteronomy 7:3, 4; 1 Corinthians 7:39) Do we yearn for wealth? Then prayer may be needed to help us resist temptations to gamble or practice fraud.