The Lord’s Prayer, Seventh Petition: Trial, Strength, and Preservation

After we have sought forgiveness for past sins, we now ask for protection against future falls: “Lead us not into temptation.” This does not mean that God Himself tempts us, for as Scripture says, “God tempts no one.” We ask rather that He will not abandon us to temptation, nor permit us to be overcome when it arises.

Temptation in this life cannot be avoided. It tests the soul and proves its love. Yet we are weak, and without divine help we would quickly fail. Therefore we pray not to be spared all trial, but to be upheld by grace within it — that temptation may be for our purification, not for our destruction.

Augustine explains that we must not presume on our own strength. When we are left to ourselves, even small trials defeat us; but when God sustains us, the heaviest burdens can be borne. To pray, “Lead us not into temptation,” is to confess our dependence and to place ourselves under the guardianship of divine mercy.

This petition naturally follows forgiveness, for the forgiven soul must now be kept safe. The one who has been cleansed asks not to be soiled again. It corresponds to the Eighth Beatitude, “Blessed are they that suffer persecution for righteousness’ sake,” since temptation and persecution alike prove the steadfastness of faith.

Thus the prayer turns from past mercy to present strength. Forgiveness heals what is wounded; preservation defends what is healed. By this petition, the soul entrusts its weakness to the Father’s care, acknowledging that without His guidance it would soon wander from the way of life.

Source: St. Augustine, On the Lord’s Sermon on the Mount, Book II, Chapter 9.