At first glance, lead us not into temptation seems like an unnecessary prayer. The Bible says that God never tempts us. Isn’t this a given? It helps me to remember that the word for temptation is the same for trial and God does lead us on a path that tests and purifies our faith. “If we are to share His glory we must also share His suffering” (Romans 8). “He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil” ( Matthew 4:1). So, our attitude toward problems and pressure should be, “Lord when I can and should avoid a situation( ie when it is a temptation) help me to do so. When I can and should face a situation (ie when it is a trial), give me the family courage to do so with dignity and uncomplaining joy”. When I pray to be spared, it is because this is the default position that God wants for me. When I get something else, I realize that I am in one of those situations when what I asked for is not what is best. Either way, it is an answer to this prayer.
