The Lord's Prayer
Daily Bible Studies for the Week of June 1, 2009
This Week’s Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13
Matthew 6:9-13 New Living Translation
9Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
10May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
11Give us today the food we need,
12and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
13And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
Compare with Matthew 6:9-13 New International Version
9"This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us today our daily bread. 12Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'
Compare with Matthew 6:9-13 MOT (Pastor Chris’ Translation)
9Therefore, pray thus: Our Father, the One in the heavens; holy (hallowed) shall be your name. 10Let your Kingdom come; let your will come about as in heaven, also on earth. 11Give us today our bread for today and for the coming day. 12And forgive us the debts (sins, wrongs) of us as we also forgave our debtors (those who have sinned against us or wronged us.) 13And do not bring us into temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, My greatest desire is to love and serve You! I know that many temptations come to keep me from that, and that I sometimes place myself into the line of temptation by the choices I make. I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit right now, that I may avoid the places, situations, and thoughts of temptation, and that You will rescue me when I find myself in them. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
13And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Matthew 6:13 NLT
What does it mean to “yield to temptation”?
How does God “rescue” us from the evil one?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in the power of the Holy Spirit and follow His leading that I may avoid the places, situation and thoughts of temptation!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Jesus told us that the way to You is straight and narrow and that few find it. I pray today that You will keep me on that straight and narrow way, that You will shield me from entering into temptation, and that when evil comes my way that You will rescue me from it. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.' Matthew 6:13 NIV
What is the difference in the two translations: NLT and NIV? Are the differences significant in the meaning that results from each?
What one thing will you do today to avoid temptation?
Today’s Challenge: I will follow God’s lead in my life and thus avoid temptation!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, sometimes I think that I am strong, that I can overcome the tricks of the devil. I know that apart from Your presence and power in and through the Holy Spirit that I am prone to evil and easily enticed to sin. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may live boldly, confidently and victoriously over sin, and thus bring You honor and praise. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
13And do not bring us into temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
What is the difference between “yield” “lead” and “bring”? How do the various translations give us more insight into avoiding temptation?
What is the most important thing you can do today to avoid temptation?
Today’s Challenge: I will keep Jesus first, and follow Him, because He will always lead me in the way I should go!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of today’s Scripture that You will never let me be tempted more than I can stand. Show me the way out of every temptation today, and even better, lead me in ways that will glorify You! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
12If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Cor. 10:12-13 NLT
Why do we so often think that we are “standing strong,” in life, when in reality we are about to fall?
What is the primary promise of this Scripture? How will you claim it and live it today?
Today’s Challenge: I will stand strong in the Spirit, not in my own power so that I will be able to overcome temptation through Him!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the blessings of life that come when I endure the tests and temptations of life. I know that one day You will glorify Yourself in me by giving me the crown of life that You have promised me for loving You. Today, I pray for strength to overcome any test, trial or temptation that may come my way. This I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
12God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. James 1:12-13 NLT
What is the difference between a “test” and a “temptation”?
What can we be sure about God’s role in temptation according to this Scripture?
Today’s Challenge: I will patiently endure the tests and temptations that come today, looking forward to the ultimate reward of my faithfulness in Jesus!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I acknowledge my role in temptation. While the devil does tempt us, many times we simply walk down the path of least resistance in our lives, and fail to call on You to keep us on the straight and narrow path that leads to life. Fill me with Your Spirit that I may, indeed, live in Your ways. This I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
14Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1:14-15 NLT
What role do we have in temptation according to this Scripture?
How will you overcome temptation in your life today?
Today’s Challenge: I will focus on Jesus so that my desires will be His, and thus live in victory!