SUMMARY
This week we are focusing on one line of the Lord's Prayer: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." It can sound like we are asking God to keep us from ever being tempted, but James 1:13 is clear that God tempts no one. The word "temptation" carries more the sense of trial or testing than seduction. This line also keeps us awake to the fact that we have a real enemy who prowls, looking for someone to devour. Most importantly, lead and deliver are one movement rather than two requests. Awareness is the goal, since we cannot follow a lead we are not paying attention to. Even in the most difficult days God can be leading you, if you are aware rather than wandering. So the question this week is simple: are you being led and delivered, or are you wandering and trapped?
MAIN TAKEAWAY
Lead and deliver are one prayer, not two. Praying it makes us aware, and awareness is how we stop wandering and start following. The presence of temptation is not the absence of God.
ICE BREAKER
What are the worst directions you have ever followed, from a person, a GPS, or your own confidence. Where did you end up?
LOOK BACK
- Looking back at the last thirty days of the Prayer Experiment, what shifted for you? And if you are just starting today, what made you want to begin?
- Where in your life have you seen yourself wandering, and where have you seen yourself following God's lead? What was different about those two times?
- Think back over this past week. Where did you sense God nudging you toward or away from something?
LOOK UP
- First read Matthew 6:13, then James 1:13-14. Where does James say temptation comes from, and what does he say about God's role in it? What is Jesus actually asking for when he prays "lead us not into temptation"?
- Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. What does Paul promise here about temptation, and what does that say about God? Where have you seen God provide a way out before?
- Read Psalm 23 aloud. Where do you see God leading in this psalm, and what does he lead his people through as well as toward? If the presence of temptation does not mean the absence of God, how does that shape the way you pray this line?
LOOK AHEAD
- Where in your life do you need the Father's direction, guidance, and deliverance?
- When will you take time to discern whether you are wandering through this week or following the leadership of our father in heaven?
- Awareness is something we practice. Who could you ask to check in on you midweek and simply ask, "where were you led or were you dragged this week?"
WEEKLY CHALLENGE
At the end of each day this week, take five minutes to look back with God. Notice one moment you were led and one moment you were pulled, then pray, "Father, lead me and deliver me."
CONVERSATION TIPS
- Listen Well. Give others your full attention, and listen to understand rather than to respond.
- Share Honestly. Be open about your thoughts and questions; none of us have all the answers.
- End with prayer. Share requests around the group, then close your time together in prayer.
