Lead Us Not Into Temptation
Mark 1:1-8
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by Donald B. Strobe

In our Lord's Prayer we are often puzzled by the traditional words: "Lead us not into temptation." How can this be? The Letter of James says that "God tempts no one." (James 1:13) Many of us much prefer the more modern ecumenical version of the Lord's Prayer. I'd like to know what you think. Do you find it helpful to understand the words, or would you rather use the more traditional, familiar phrasing? You all know, of course, that even in the traditional form of the prayer there are differences. Methodists ask to have their "trespasses" forgiven, while Presbyterians pray about their "debts." Someone once said that the Presbyterians, being Scots, would rather have their debts forgiven than their trespasses any day! Be that as it may, the Greek word actually means "sins". That is what we are praying about. To have our sins forgiven to the same extent that we are willing to forgive those who have sinned against us. Pretty strong stuff, huh! "Save us in time of trial," says the Ecumenical Version. Testing times are not intended to make us fall; they are sent to strengthen us. And God is there to help.

ChristianGlobe Networks, Inc., Collected Works, by Donald B. Strobe