In this petition we do not ask that no temptation may befall us. This would be practically impossible, and would be a misfortune rather than a benefit. "Blessed," says St. James (i. 12) "is the man who endures temptation." Temptations are necessary to try our faith, to increase our merit, to humble us, to enable us to sympathise with others, and for many other wise purposes. If I am tempted, I must not think that God is deaf to my prayers, but that He is going to lead me through the temptation to some great good.

What we do ask here is that we may not be led into temptation, there to remain until the temptation has involved us in sin. We ask that we may not be led into temptation as the bird is led into the snare of the fowler or the wild beast into the pit. We ask that when God sees us running on blindly towards the precipice, He will in His mercy turn us aside from it. How earnestly we ought to offer this petition when we remember our own weakness!

There is no saint so strong but that he would fall under temptation if God were to leave him to himself, and were to give Satan full power to tempt him as he pleased. No one could stand this ordeal. How much more easily should I fall, if it were not for the ever-present help of God! I could not withstand the fierce onset of passion, or the dogged force of self-will, or the dislike and ridicule of others, unless God tempered their force. O my God, do Thou avert what is too much for my weakness! Make in each temptation some means of escape for me, that I may be able to bear it.