“Watch and pray, so that you do not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).
When you sincerely pray: “Lead us not into temptation,” you are making a personal commitment to avoid what you already know is dangerous for your soul. It is no use asking God to deliver you if, in your daily life, you throw yourself into the same situations that previously brought you down. It is necessary to act with wisdom. When you cry out: “Deliver us from evil,” it is also essential to courageously combat the evil you have already identified within yourself.
Feeling weak? Afraid of falling again? Then the secret is simple: stay away from temptation. That is watching. It is no use praying if you continue to expose yourself, surrounding yourself with people and environments that feed disobedience. Many want victory without effort, but the path of holiness requires decision. Flee from what pulls you away from God’s will. Distance yourself from everything and everyone that puts your obedience to the Lord’s commandments at risk.
There is no holy life without obedience. Those who have already decided not to follow the powerful Law of God will inevitably fall into temptation. And, over time, they will lose peace, being kept as slaves to sin. But the good news is that there is still time to change. True freedom lies in saying “no” to sin and “yes” to God’s will. This is the path of strength, peace, and true victory. -Adapted from J. H. Newman. Until tomorrow, if the Lord allows us.
Pray with me: Dear God, I thank You for reminding me that victory over evil begins with conscious choices. So many times I have cried out for You to deliver me from temptation, but I continued to throw myself into the same mistakes, the same places, the same company. Now I understand that to pray sincerely is also to take responsibility for my decisions.
My Father, today I ask You to give me discernment to recognize the evil within me and courage to abandon it. Show me the paths, habits, and people that have distanced me from Your will, and help me to firmly cut off everything that feeds sin. Help me to be faithful to Your powerful Law. I no longer want to be a slave to error, nor live in constant fall.
Oh, Most Holy God, I adore and praise You because there is still time to change. True freedom is in choosing Your will above all. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your Law is like a wall of protection that guards me from the enemy’s attacks and strengthens my character. Your commandments are like firm tracks that safely guide me to the destination of eternal life. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.