In Latin, it’s called “The Paternoster” from the Latin words for ” Our Father.” Millions of people know it by heart and can recite it. For many it was of all things a form of punishment instead of a prayer ;” For your penance say 30 “Our Fathers.” It is taken from the Bible, specifically Matthew 6:9-13. This is the long version of the prayer which Jesus recited when instructing his disciples how to pray. See the short version in Luke 11:2-4 when the disciples asked “Lord teach us to pray , just as John taught his disciples”Luke 11:1. Thus, this instruction from the Son of God must be of great importance to the Christian. The reason for this post today, is because the current Pope Francis is suggesting the Matt.6:13 which reads “lead us not into temptation,” be revised to read ” do not let us fall into temptation”
It is apparent that this verse requires thoughtful exegisis in light of the truths about God set forth in James 1:13-14 which states God does not tempt anyone but we are tempted by our own hearts and also James 1:2 where Christians are instructed to count it all joy when they encounter various trials( the same word in the greek for temptations). Therefore, there is an apparent contradiction or at least a challenge in understanding what Jesus was teaching in Matthew 6:13. Why would Jesus tell us to pray that God would not do what He cannot do? Or better yet, why pray to take away trials which are for our good and we should count as all joy? What is the difference between a trial and a temptation?
Looking back at the last post on this site regards temptation, is it possible that Jesus is really using the phrase to mean , don’t let me enter into the trial but if I am to enter the trial, “deliver me from the evil one.” It is evident from the last part of verse 13, that whether the word is more properly translated trial as opposed to temptation, the evil one is involved. As with Job the evil one was the key particpant his trial. It seems that Jesus may be saying by negation, Lead me in the way of righteousness, don’t let temptation fall on me, keep me from having to do battle with the evil one , but in either situation (temptation or trial) if I have to, enable me to overcome the evil one.
I am brought back to the prayer of Jesus in Gethsemane “Take this cup from me” i.e. lead me away from this trial, this temptation . When his prayer was denied the Father heard delivered Him from the Evil one, enabling Jesus to crush his head. (Gen3:15)
JUST SCRATCHIN THE SURFACE 