Tuesday - The Letter of James (James 1:13-15)

Welcome to Daily Prayer. We're in the second week of our series on the letter of James. Today we meditate on the reality of temptation. And every season, and with every trial, comes potential temptations that must be overcome.

As we begin our time together, let's take a few deep breaths and fix our gaze on the Lord.

Lord,

You've come to give us life, and life abundantly.

Give us wisdom to see the end result of our desires and choices.

Today I give you all my thoughts and open the door to every room in my life.

Come and breathe your life into me.

Give us discernment to see the trap and to resist it, to avoid evil instead of entertaining it.

We want to delight ourselves in you.

Father, we humble ourselves before you.

Inspire us to see and act on the wisdom of your Word.

A Scripture Reading from James 1:13–15:

"When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

A Prayer of Adoration:

Lord, you are good. You do not tempt us, and you cannot be tempted by evil. You always provide a way of escape so that we can endure (1 Cor. 10:13). You are for us and not against us. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you've planned for us, you've provided for us. You provide grace and strength for us.

A Prayer of Confession and Trust:

Lord, forgive us for blaming you, for the people and circumstances in our lives, when we are the ones who've chosen to give in, to give up, or to become entrapped. You have given us everything we need for life and godliness, and we have not chosen the way of life. We have not taken seriously the danger of following after our own desires. We've allowed desire for pleasure or comfort to entice us, and we've welcomed seeds of death to take root in our hearts. Have mercy and deliver us, God.

Oh Lord, we have not fled when you tell us to, we've not been on guard when you tell us to. You have provided a way of escape, and we have not prayed and pursued your way. We've held on to bitterness and hate when you tell us to forgive. Oh Lord, you have been far from our thoughts when you are the author of life and the giver of every good gift. Forgive us, Lord.

Lord, you tell us, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Your Word teaches us, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." So Lord, today we look to you as the way, the truth, and the life. You're the living water, the well that never runs dry. You are the bread of life, my creator, my sustainer, my redeemer, and the lover of my soul.

A Prayer of Intercession:

Father, deliver those who've become ensnared and entrapped in sin. Teach us how to restore those who are caught. Protect us from any deception or lie that would cause us to doubt your goodness. Deliver us from the evil one, Lord. Help us to identify the lies and desires that wage war in our inner life. Only you can satisfy.

A Moment of Reflection:

Lord, is there a desire within me that I need to surrender to you today?

As we listen to the passage again, let's listen carefully for the warnings or encouragements that the Word of God gives us today:

When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Our Weekly Passage to Memorize and Embrace Together:

James 1:12

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

A Closing Prayer:

Father, you know the season I'm in. You know the trials I'm facing. Give me wisdom to see things like you do. Give me the strength to overcome, the vision to see the end result of my choices, and give me the strength to persevere.

In the name of Jesus,

Amen.