Luke 22:40
And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
Luke 22:40
In the garden setting, Jesus instructs his disciples to pray that they “enter not into temptation.” Temptation here isn’t merely about falling into sin; it’s about exposure to testing that could derail fidelity to God’s will. This moment reveals a crucial spiritual discipline: vigilant prayer partners with disciplined action. The disciples’ presence in the garden forms a contrast with their later failure to stay awake, highlighting human weakness and the necessity of dependence on God.
Prayer as a shield against temptation is central to Luke’s portrayal of Jesus’s humanity and dependence on the Father. The verse emphasizes spiritual warfare—our vulnerability to schemes that seek to derail faithfulness. It also points to perseverance in prayer as a communal and personal practice that anchors believers in God’s sovereignty when circumstances press in from every side.
We are often drawn toward easy pathing—comfort, avoidance, or quick fixes—when we face pressure. Praying “that you enter not into temptation” invites us to prepare emotionally, morally, and spiritually before choices that carry weight. Practical steps: start the day with a short prayer for discernment; cultivate accountability with a trusted friend; set a reminder to pause and pray before high-stakes decisions (e.g., a tense email, a tough budget cut, or a relational confrontation).
Cross-References: Matthew 26:41; James 1:13-15; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Romans 12:12; Psalm 119:11