Lead us not into temptation.

A friend objects that God would not lead us into temptation.

Another translation offers, "protect us from the time of trial."

The Greek is kai me eisphero hemas eis peirasmos. That kai me is a very strong "do not" the verb eisphero means to lead or bring, bring into, or carry into.

I am not especially tempted by wealth, fame, power, or sex... to name a few typical temptations. Oh, I can be titillated by each. I will fantasize about these and more. But the fantasies are easy to put away.

What can be difficult to resist is a sense of God's calling. Is this what God asks of me? Is this where God wants me to go? Is this my vocation? Is this my purpose?

More often than not I hear what Freud might label my superego's echo. In seeking relationship with God, I ask is this (whatever this might be) your will? I perceive a vague this in reply. But it is much more projection than perception.

Lead us not into temptation is, for me, about as practical and immediate as "Give us this day our daily bread." Today give me the humility and patience to silence my interior desires and to listen -- only listen -- and to hear the still small voice of God.