Temptation

He (God) does not tempt anybody. Everyone who is tempted is attracted and seduced by his own wrong desire. Then the desire conceives and gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it too has a child, and the child is death.
Jms.1:13-15

Saint James addresses the heart of the matter of sin, refuting the claim that God sends temptation.  The process of sin is always of our own making and is quite simple.  Our own unbridled temptation births desire, desire births sin that in turn births death.

I've often puzzled over the verse in the old Lord's prayer; "lead us not into temptation". As James clearly states, God could never tempt anyone with sin, so why ask Him not to?  I prefer the version saying "save us from the time of trial".  That recognises that the trial is often of my own making and I need God's saving grace to be rescued from it.  So, today I will face temptations to sin, in lust, greed, avarice, but with God's grace I will not give birth to sin.

          Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done, 

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins 

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial

and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, 

and the glory are yours

now and for ever. 

Amen.

Little Flower, please pray for me.