Three prayers to say to God to stand firm against temptation, ask for his strength and know where to turn after a fall.
Pick a categoryEveryone knows moments when evil looks attractive, whether it is a habit, a thought or a desire. This page is for you if you want to stand firm, or if you have fallen and want to get back up. Jesus himself was tempted: he understands you, and God promises to prepare a way out.
Lord, temptation is here and I am weak. I do not want to give in, so I come to you right now. Father, lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. Show me the way out you have prepared and give me the courage to take it. Jesus, you were tempted as I am, you understand. I take refuge in you. Turn my thoughts away from what destroys me and fix my eyes on you. Thank you for rescuing me. In Jesus' name, amen.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Father, you know my weakness, the one I hide from others and struggle to name. I no longer want to pretend. I give it to you without excuse. Purify my heart and my desires. Place around me brothers and sisters I can honestly confide in. Help me to watch and pray, for the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. If I have fallen, lift me up: your forgiveness is greater than my failure. Help me walk by your Spirit. In Jesus' name, amen.
Matthew 26:41
Lord, thank you: you are faithful and you do not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. Thank you for the cross, where Jesus carried my sins, and for the victory he gave me. I do not walk alone in this battle. Father, strengthen me by your Word that I keep in my heart. Grow in me a love for what is right and a hatred of evil. I want to please you in small things as well as in great ones. You are my rock and my refuge. In Jesus' name, amen.
Hebrews 4:15-16
« No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. »
1 Corinthians 10:13
I proclaim that no temptation has overtaken me except what is common to man, and God is faithful to provide a way of escape so that I can bear it.
« Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. »
James 1:12
I declare that I am blessed as I endure temptation, for when I am approved I will receive the crown of life promised to those who love God.
« Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. »
Matthew 26:41
I proclaim that I watch and pray so that I do not enter into temptation. My spirit is willing and I lean on God's strength for my weakness.
« For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. »
Hebrews 4:15
I declare that Jesus sympathizes with my weaknesses, for he was tempted in every way as I am, yet without sin. He understands and he helps me.
« Then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations. »
2 Peter 2:9
I proclaim that the Lord knows how to deliver me out of temptation, for he watches over those who belong to him.
No. Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Temptation becomes sin when we give in to the desire or feed it. Being tempted does not make you a bad Christian: it is an opportunity to turn to God.
Return to God without delay and without hiding. The Bible says that if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us. Get back up, ask for his forgiveness, and if needed, confide in a mature believer who can walk with you.
Watch and pray, feed on the Bible and avoid situations that weaken you. Surround yourself with trusted believers to whom you are accountable. God promises to prepare a way out: ask him to show it to you and take it without delay.