Enjoying the blessing of God’s deliverance from temptation is only heightened by a better understanding of temptation. James’ point is that temptation is within ourselves (Jam 1:13-14). Man’s thoughts are perpetually evil (Gen 6:5; 8:21). We are continually in a state of overwhelming temptation when we depart from the grace of God.

We are to pray for this same deliverance from temptation for the entirety of the church. We are to start within our homes, into our church, throughout our denominations and eventually expanding to the church universal which is the true bride of Christ. This is how we are taught to pray.

This is the blessing of being found in God, He promises us things we do not deserve and then instructs us to pray in fulfillment of this promise. Instead of being a request that instills fear, this request of God is meant to bring hope. Those who pray in Christ’s name for His promises will receive them (John 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:23-26).

So when we are left to our own accord temptations appear in us. And this is not uncommon to man. But God is still our deliverer (1 Cor 10:13). So this portion of the prayer is accurately a prayer of deliverance. This is how we should pray.

This petition can seem very difficult. For since “all have sinned” (Rom 3:23) there are many debtors. Many people will hurt us and take things from us. But like God’s forgiveness, our forgiveness must be unearned. Thus Paul instructs us to forgive just as Christ (Eph 4:32).

This part of the petition is difficult for some people. We are only forgiven when we forgive. Forgiving others doesn’t earn us forgiveness. But it is a sign that we have understood our forgiven state when we forgive others.