“Why does the Lord’s Prayer indicate that our Father in heaven would lead us into temptation?”

Answer/Brother Jeffrey R. Holland

The Prophet Joseph Smith helped us with this verse when he gave his translation of it in the Inspired Version of the New Testament. There he modified the language to read “suffer us not to be led into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (JST, Matt. 6:14. Italics added.)

A loving Father in heaven does not maliciously “lead us into temptation” nor have any wish to ensnare us in evil. He has, however, allowed us to come to this mortal world in which we must face temptations of every kind, temptations from “men” and from “devils.” (See D&C 46:7.) This prayer is a prayer for strength, for the ability to endure such difficult times. It is a special plea for protection from excessive or unremitting enticement that would threaten our ability to withstand. It is an expression of our desire to remain clean.

We do, of course, take comfort in knowing that the Lord will not allow us to be tempted beyond our capability to resist. Furthermore, for every temptation that an enemy places before us the Lord has made an “escape, that [we] may be able to bear it.” (1 Cor. 10:13.) If we then yield to temptation, it may well be that we did not recognize (or did not want) the opportunity to escape it. Nevertheless, if we do falter, the privilege of repenting is simply further confirmation that our Father in heaven does not wish us to be entangled in sin. Through the gift of his Son he has provided the means for us to be free from evil, even after the fact, if we are willing to pay the price.

I think there is also a less obvious principle implied in this great prayer that should not be missed by those who wish protection from evil. It has been most clearly noted by Elder Bruce R. McConkie when he cautioned: “Obviously it would be nothing short of hypocrisy to utter this prayer and then go out where sin and lust and evil are found. Implicit in the prayer to avoid being led into temptation is the promise on the petitioner’s part to avoid the places where sin and evil are found.” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, Bookcraft, 1972, 1:237.) As Joseph of old learned, sometimes our only safety lies in how fast we can run and how far away we can get from the places and people that tempt us.

Our own best efforts and good judgment coupled with honest prayer to our Heavenly Father will enable us to walk better the narrow path that is free from the heartache, sorrow, and despair that transgression inevitably brings. That is the personal ability and divine assistance for which Jesus prayed.

• Commissioner, Church Education System

Photo by Marilyn Erd