Matthew 6:13 “Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
There is a story of a man named George Adam Smith, he was a well known pastor and writer and he finally went on the trip of a lifetime to climb the alps. He had done extensive training and he felt like he was finally ready. He and the guide made it to the top of one of the highest mountains in that range and as he stood of the peak he walked over to a precipice and looked out at what he believed to be all of Switzerland and thought I am literally soaring on wings like eagles. As he thought on this, a strong gust of wind suddenly blew against him and he struggled against it fearing he may be blown off the peak. At that moment the guide shouted out to him, “Mr. Smith, on your knees! The only way you are safe up here is on your knees!” As we walk with the Lord through this world the same is true for you. You are only safe on your knees.
Jesus, in giving His followers “The Disciples Prayer” was walking them through how to pray but also how to stay in a spirit of prayer. Prayer, just as everything other aspect of the Christian life, always boils down to the attitude of the believer. The only saying is true, “attitude is everything.” We can pray but the attitude we come to our Father with is so important. If we come with entitlement, making demands and telling Him what to do, like any good father, that is not going to fly. When we come humbly, with a heart to know Him, with an attitude of gratitude and a realization that He is “Our Father” that is a son or daughter the Father is going to bless.
Now, in this prayer, our Hero Jesus tells us to pray for “deliverance from the evil one.” You should know your enemy. The adversary of your soul is none other than Satan. His first tactic is to convince you he’s on your side and if you do it his way its easier and will get you where you want to go fast. LIES! That’s all He is capable of speaking… lies, lies and guess what else… more lies! So, Jesus tells us know Satan is powerful but when you stick close to your Heavenly Hero… your Heavenly Father you’ll be “safe and secure from all alarms, leaning on the everlasting arms,” or like Mr. Smith’s guide said, “On your knees! The only way you are safe up here is on your knees!”
By His Spirit,
Pastor Bill