Already

Our Father in heaven, 

Thank You for the gift of life today. 
Already the weakness of our flesh is felt,
and our need of strengthening is great. 
Already temptation is near to us, 
and our need of Christ is urgent.
Already sin is working against us,
and our need of the Spirit is critical. 

Father, grant our many needs for Jesus’ sake.
Enable us to stand firm and to walk in the light
as You are in the light.

In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.

Use

This prayer is to be prayed in order that a prayer of confession might not have to be. It is designed for the onset of temptation. The situations that prompted the writing of this prayer are those of temptation at the very beginning of the day, when we might assume sin is yet far off! At such times it is easy to be discouraged and turn to everything else but prayer.

In fact, it has struck me just how easy it is to form habits of heading off sin or treating it after it has been committed that do not include prayer. It is often harsh words, threats, or negotiations that are utilised to keep sin from breaking out. And it is often scolding or emotion dumping that are used after sin is committed to keep sin from happening again.

But none of this is commended by God for dealing with sin in our families. Instead, we ought to lead our children in prayers for help in times of temptation - calling upon God to act, intervene, equip, save, deliver. Our harsh words and threats are weak and carry no divine authority. It is not so with prayer.

Next time temptation strikes, try leading the children in a prayer for help and deliverance along the lines of the prayer above. Or better yet, write some simple prayers for your family yourself.

Scripture

¹⁰ The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
    the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

Proverbs 18:10

¹³ No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

¹³ And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from evil.

Matthew 6:13

¹⁴ Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-16