The Sixth Petition

"And lead us not into temptation"

COMPENDIUM

When we say this, we ask God to set us free from all temptations, either by not allowing us to be tempted, or by giving us grace not to be overcome by them.

Temptations are an incentive to sin: they come from the devil, or from the wicked, or from our passions. There is no sin in having temptations, but it is a sin to consent to them, or to expose oneself voluntarily to the danger of consenting to them. God allows us to be tempted to prove our fidelity, and to increase our virtues and our merits. But in order to avoid temptations, we ought to flee dangerous occasions, to keep guard over our senses, to receive the Sacraments frequently and to make use of prayer.

CATECHISM

312. What do we ask in the Sixth Petition: and lead us not into temptation?

In the Sixth Petition: and lead us not into temptation, we ask God to deliver us from temptation either by not allowing us to be tempted, or by giving us grace not to be conquered.

313. What are temptations?

Temptations are an incitement to sin that comes from the devil, or from the wicked, or from our own evil passions.

314. Is it a sin to have temptations?

No, it is no sin to have temptations; but it is a sin to consent to them, or voluntarily to expose oneself to the danger of consenting to them.

315. Why does God allow us to be tempted?

God allows us to be tempted so as to test our fidelity, increase our virtue, and augment our merits.

316. What should we do to avoid temptations?

To avoid temptation, we should fly dangerous occasions, guard our senses, receive the sacraments frequently, and have recourse to the practice of prayer.