Praying for strength to resist temptation

A quote attributed to Martin Luther says, “You can’t stop birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from making a nest in your hair”. Temptation is part of this fallen world, but it will not destroy our lives, if we resist it and overcome it by leaning on Christ and keeping our eyes fixed on Him.

“And remember, no one who wants to do wrong should ever say, ‘God is tempting me’. God is never tempted to do wrong, and He never tempts anyone else either. Temptation comes from the lure of our own desires . . .”James 1: 13ff.

Take comfort in knowing that we have an understanding Savior who has been there and knows what it means to be tempted. Jesus, the Son of God is our High Priest who helps us resist temptation,

    “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same temptations we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4: 14 – 16.

Example of a prayer to resist temptation:
“Heavenly Father, thank you that you are never tempted with sin, nor do you tempt anyone to sin. I also thank you that Jesus is my High Priest who faced all temptations, yet did not sin. He empathizes with my human struggles. Your Word also reminds me in Hebrews that with every temptation, you will provide a way of escape. Give me the strength to resist the temptation to ________, and other temptations that may come my way, I pray. Fill me with your wisdom to recognize Satan’s tricks, and help me steer clear from sin. Protect my mind from being influenced by the god of this world, and help me live a life that glorifies you, through Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

Example of a prayer for a younger person to resist temptation:
“Dear God, thank you that you are never tempted and you don’t tempt anyone to do bad things. Also thank you that You did not leave us to go it alone, but gave us the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. He understands what it means to be tempted. Through Him, I can resist temptation. LORD, please give me the strength to resist the temptation to ________, and help me and protect me from doing bad things, so that my life may please you. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.”

Scripture References
James 1: 13ff
Hebrews 4: 14 – 16
Ephesians 6: 10 ff
I Peter 5: 8ff