Day One | September 24
Held by the Hand That Leads Us
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” – Matthew 6:13
Every day we walk onto a battlefield—sometimes fully aware, often distracted and unaware. Temptation doesn’t always shout; sometimes it whispers. The enemy doesn’t always attack head-on; sometimes he nudges us just a few degrees off course. That’s why Jesus didn’t just teach us how to pray—He taught us what to pray: for guidance and protection.
In what we call The Lord’s Prayer—more accurately, The Disciple’s Prayer—Jesus gives us a framework for how to commune with God: worship, dependence, forgiveness, and focus on God’s kingdom. But it ends with something most of us don’t think to ask for: rescue.
When Jesus says, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one,” He’s inviting us to recognize two things: we can be led astray, and we can be delivered. He urges us to pray not just for strength, but for divine direction. Not just for help in trouble, but for a way out before trouble grabs hold of us.
Every new day brings new choices—and new chances to walk in obedience or drift toward compromise. But the good news is this: God has not left us to figure it out alone. Through prayer, He guides us, guards us, and gives us power to stand.
Reflection Question:
Am I consistently asking God for direction and protection in my daily life, or am I relying on my own strength and instincts?
Prayer Focus:
Ask God to awaken in Gateway a deep, daily commitment to prayer. Pray that He would lead us clearly and protect us powerfully from the enemy’s traps. Thank Him for the vision He’s given our church, and ask how He wants to use your time, gifts, and resources to advance His Kingdom. Refocus your heart today on His greatness, His power, and His glory.