“And lead us not into temptation…”
O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walks to direct his steps (Jeremiah 10:23).
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The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand (Psalm 37:23, 24).
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Do not take me away with the wicked and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors, but evil is in their hearts (Psalm 28:3).
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No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God isfaithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
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For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me (Psalm 31:3).
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Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day (Psalm 25:5).
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And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
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hesitating in leafy shade
pausing at the crossroads
torn by choice
why not take that path
sun-dappled wide and fair
enticing golden-green
so lovely
so close to the way
just a winding smooth trail to follow
never mind the faint sense
the hint of decay under the flowers’ essence
such a bright track
must surely be sound
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“lead us not into temptation”
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or take that other path
with creeping vines and
darkling shadows
drooping moss and webs interwoven
a swaying curtain brushing
shrinking fingertipes
rotting logs and half-buried rocks
narrow the way
stumbling
bearing straight into gloom and
half-dusk
arrowing true
toward a distant faint
point of white and
beckoning light
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