Prayers for Temptation

When you feel the pull right now, start here.

Lord, I’m being pulled toward something I know I shouldn’t do, and I need You right now. I don’t want to pretend I’m strong. I’m not. Show me the way out before I take the first step. Give me the wisdom to see where this leads, and the honesty to say no. Change what I want, so that I want You more than this. Hold me steady, because I can’t do it on my own. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Pray it before it gets hard. Jesus told us to watch and pray.

Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Father, You said to watch and pray, so I’m praying before it gets hard. Keep my eyes, my mind, and my steps away from what would pull me down. You promised there is always a way out, so open my eyes to it when I need it. Give me the strength to take it. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Short enough to pray in the middle of the moment.

Be subject therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Set a watch, Yahweh, before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

Lord, help me. I give this moment to You. I resist what is pulling me, and I turn toward You. Set a guard over my mouth, and keep my hands and my eyes clean. Give me strength for the next five minutes, and then the five after that. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If you have already fallen, you can come back to Him right now.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

God, I’ve fallen before, and I’m tired of the cycle. I confess it to You, with no excuses. Forgive me, and wash me clean. Create a clean heart in me, and renew a right spirit. Don’t let shame keep me from running to You. Help me stop, and help me start again today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For the long road: habits, people, and a heart that holds on to His word.

For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11

Jesus, You were tempted in every way I am, and You didn’t sin. Thank You that You understand. I need Your help for the long run, not just for today. Show me the habits and the places that make me weak. Give me people who will hold me accountable, and the humility to let them. Hide Your word in my heart so I have something to stand on. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Before the day starts, ask Him to go ahead of you.

Lord, before this day starts, I’m asking You to go ahead of me. Show me the places where I’ll be tempted, and give me the strength to say no before it’s hard. Keep my eyes on You, and my heart soft. If I stumble, help me get up quickly and come back to You. I trust You with this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.