The prayer
says “lead us not into temptation”. The modern translation says ‘Save us from
the time of trial (or testing)’. Does God lead us into temptation or test us to
see if we ‘pass’? Or is it our own decisions that let us slip into some habits
that seem innocent and maybe more exciting than the relationship with God that
is being focused on in the Lord’s Prayer? Temptations might be things
that look good and important. Not too long ago on the internet a saying
circulated “More than needing schedule and productivity, this week will need a
Savior and prayer. God’s not asking you to produce, he’s asking you to pray.
God’s not asking you to climb ladders, He’s asking you to kneel and let go.” (Ann Voskamp)
Sometimes we
forget that God is in charge of everything we have, like our daily bread and
the sunrise and even the trials and yes the temptations. So we can turn them
back over to God. We can, as the little saying goes, “kneel and let go.”
Part 1
Make a Prayer
rock. This is simply a rock wrapped in cloth to remind you of what to do
with your temptations. There’s a little poem that goes along with it that you
can tie onto the rock, if you want.
I’m your little prayer rock
and this is what I’ll do.
Just put me on your pillow till the day is through.
Then turn back the covers and climb into your bed
And WHACK … your little prayer rock will hit you on your head.
Then you will remember as the day is through
To kneel and say your prayers as you wanted to,
Then when you are finished just dump me on the floor,
I’ll stay there through the night-time to give you help once more.
When you get up the next morning CLUNK…I stub your toe
So you will remember your prayers before you go.
Put me back upon your pillow when your bed is made,
And your clever little prayer rock will continue in your aid.
Because your heavenly Father cares and loves you so,
He wants you to remember to talk to him… you know.
Just put me on your pillow till the day is through.
Then turn back the covers and climb into your bed
And WHACK … your little prayer rock will hit you on your head.
Then you will remember as the day is through
To kneel and say your prayers as you wanted to,
Then when you are finished just dump me on the floor,
I’ll stay there through the night-time to give you help once more.
When you get up the next morning CLUNK…I stub your toe
So you will remember your prayers before you go.
Put me back upon your pillow when your bed is made,
And your clever little prayer rock will continue in your aid.
Because your heavenly Father cares and loves you so,
He wants you to remember to talk to him… you know.
Part 2 Help
us not forget our Source
In the Aramaic translation, we
pray “help us not forget our Source”. When we give in to temptations, we do
tend to forget Who the Source of all things is. When we let go of the
temptations that lead us away from that Source, we are return to unity and union.
One way to keep connected to the
Source of all life is to start a Thanksgiving diary. Just like the name
implies, this discipline involves writing down at least one thing we are
thankful for each day. Remembering our blessings helps us move past temptations
and turn to God. Ann Voskamp, in her blog AHolyExperience.com offers monthly
suggestions for finding 3 things each day to be thankful for. She calls it the
“Joy Dare” and you can download it.
Next week we consider the protection
God offers when we turn to Him rather than depending on ourselves.
