A Scripture Catechism
in the
Method of the Assembly's

by Matthew Henry

Q. 106. What do we pray for in the sixth petition?
A. In the sixth petition, which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, we pray, that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or support and deliver us when we are tempted.

1. Must we pray that we may not be tempted? Yes: Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation, Matt. 26:41. And that temptations may be removed? Yes: I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me, 2 Cor. 12:8. And that we may not be overcome by them? Yes: Let no iniquity have dominion over me, Ps. 119:133.

2. Must we pray that God would not leave us to ourselves? Yes: Incline not my heart to any evil thing, Ps. 141:4. And that he would not withdraw the assistance of his grace? Yes: Take not thy Holy Spirit away from me, Ps. 51:11. But that he would strengthen us against every temptation? Yes: Uphold me with by free spirit, Ps. 51:12. And that he would preserve us through it? Ye: That our faith fail not, Luke 22:32. Have we encouragement to pray against temptation? Yes: For God is faithful, who will not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able, 1 Cor. 10:13. And is prayer a part of our spiritual armour ? Yes: Praying always, Eph. 6:13,18.

3. Must we dread sin as the worst evil? Yes: That I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, Neh. 6:13. And must we pray to be kept from it? Yes: to be delivered from every evil work, 2 Tim. 4:18. And from all occasions of it? Yes: Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, Ps. 119:37.

4. Must we pray against pride? Yes: That he may hide pride from man, Job 33:17. And against lying? Yes: Remove from me the way of lying, Ps. 119:29. And against sensuality? Yes: Let me not eat of their dainties, Ps. 140:4. And against uncleanness? Yes: Create in me a clean heart, O God, Ps. 51:10. And against covetousness ? Yes: Incline my heart to thy testimonies, and not to covetousness, Ps. 119:36. And against all tongue-sins? Yes: Set a watch, O Lord, before the door of my mouth, keep the door of my lips, Ps. 141:3. Must we pray especially against wilful sin? Yes: Keep back thy servant from presumptuous sins, Ps. 19:15. Must we pray that others also may be kept from sin? Yes: I pray to God that ye do no evil, 2 Cor. 13:7.

5. Must we pray to be delivered from other evil? Yes: Keep me from evil that it may not grieve me, 1 Chron. 4:10. Must our eye be to God for our preservation? Yes: Hide me under the shadow of thy wings, Ps. 17:8. May we take encouragement in this prayer from God's power? Yes: for he is able to keep that which we have committed to him, 2 Tim. 1:12. And from his promise? Yes: There shall no evil befall thee, Ps. 91:10. And from our own experience? Yes: He that has delivered does deliver, in whom we trust that he will yet deliver, 2 Cor. 1:10.