A Prayer Against Temptation

No one is exempted from the devil’s temptations, not even the Lord Jesus Christ when He was still on earth (see Matthew 4:1-11). Everyone who has come to know the truth, said “Yes” to Jesus, and declared war with the kingdom of darkness will be a target for temptation, as the enemy wants you back on their side.

That being said, the enemy is a defeated foe. He is not as powerful as the Holy Spirit, who does not know defeat and cannot be rivaled. Nothing compares to our powerful God, and we praise Him because He chose to dwell in us and make us His permanent address here on earth. 

Here is a prayer against temptation:

Thank You, Lord, for I am victorious in Christ Jesus! I declare Your victory on the cross and acknowledge the enemy’s defeat! He isn’t powerful, and his temptations are ineffective with me, for I have the Holy Spirit living inside me, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Temptations come in many forms, and for each person, the enemy knows our weak spots and opens doorways to unrepented areas in our lives. That is why studying and meditating on God’s Word daily is so important. It is our powerful weapon against the enemy’s schemes and temptations. 

Ephesians 6:11-12 says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

How can I overcome temptations in my life?

Saying a prayer against temptation is the first step towards overcoming them. When you draw near to God, He draws near to you. When you run to seek His help in times of trouble, He is Your present Help. That said, you can’t simply let the enemy keep tempting and cornering you, especially by surprise. So what must you do?

Here are some of the things that you can do to overcome temptations in your life:

1. Spend time daily with the Word of God.

Spending time every day with the Word of God helps to renew our mindsets and realigns our perspectives with the will of God. Romans 12:2 says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” When our mind is renewed, the Holy Spirit can speak God’s truth whenever temptation approaches us.

Lord, thank You for empowering me each day to read my Bible and renew my mind with Your Word. As I realign my thoughts to the mind of Christ, I don’t have to worry about the enemy’s temptations, for I have the Holy Spirit guiding me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

2. Find an accountability partner or a leader to watch over you.

Having a godly friend, a mentor, or a spiritual leader with whom you can share all your problems and struggles comfortably is powerful for overcoming temptations. James 5:16 says that by confessing your sins and praying for one another, there is healing; in the same way, there is deliverance, peace, restoration of hope, and more. The prayer of the righteous person is powerful and effective.

Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me with a community to whom I can be accountable. Thank You for giving me a godly mentor and spiritual leader who prays for me and helps me whenever I struggle with temptations, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

3. Surround yourself with passionate lovers of Christ.

The Bible tells us that our company can impact our destiny and faith walk with God. Proverbs 13:20 says that he who walks with the wise will become wise. However, being in the wrong company can bring destruction. If you want to overcome the temptations in your life, surround yourself with Christians who are on fire for God, whose minds are fixed on Him 24/7. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for surrounding me with burning believers who are deeply in love with Jesus Christ. Though temptations may come my way, it is not as powerful as the fire You breathe in the hearts of Your people, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

4. Equip yourself by getting into a discipleship and mentoring program.

Getting equipped is like training yourself for war as a soldier. We know that when you decided to say “yes” to Jesus, you declared war on the kingdom of darkness. The enemy’s weapons are nothing but lies, temptations, and scheming, and you can easily thwart these weapons as you are taught how to fight, pray and overcome through discipleship and mentoring programs. 2 Corinthians 10:4 says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.”

Holy Spirit, as I equip myself through discipleship and mentoring programs, thank You for empowering my inner man. Even though temptations are inevitable, I know You’ve got my back as I do Your will and apply what I learn along the way, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

5. Serve in the local church to advance God’s Kingdom.

An idle mind is indeed the devil’s playground. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us that the devil is roaming around, looking for someone to devour. However, when you busy yourself by getting involved in your local church, serving God’s people, and joining ministries that appeal to your spiritual gifting and calling, the enemy has no way to penetrate your mind with temptations. 

Lord, here I am; send me and make me a vessel to advance Your kingdom. As I choose to serve You and be actively involved in our church, I thank You because the devil cannot devour me or tempt me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

6. Pray at all times.

Praying to God is very important as Christians because it is our way to communicate with Him and Him with us. The more you pray or talk to God, the more divine insights, revelations, warnings, and heavenly perceptions you will receive from your Heavenly Father. Before the enemy’s temptation can come at you, you will already be one step ahead because God revealed it to you in advance after you prayed to Him. You can check the story of the prophet Elisha to see how God revealed to him the enemy’s plans towards Israel when he prayed in 2 Kings 6.

Heavenly Father, thank You because as I constantly pray and communicate with You, I know that You are always there, responding and giving me insights for the day. You even reveal to me the enemy’s plans so that I may walk victoriously against any temptations, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

You can also check out these articles to help you empower your inner man in Christ Jesus:

• How to Invite the Holy Spirit in for Prayer
• How to be a prayer warrior
• How to fight battles in Prayer
• How to Pray According to the Word of God

You are a powerful child of God that the enemy is deeply afraid of. Know that the temptations in your life are nothing compared to God’s power, anointing, and His perfect plans for your life. God bless you and empower you, in Christ Jesus’ name.