4 Scriptures to Pray When You Are Tempted

Consider a temptation you struggle with—or one that someone else you know has difficulty overcoming. Imagine yourself (or this person) out in the wilderness, just as Jesus was when the devil confronted Him with temptation. Using Jesus’ example, how do you fight back?

Temptation will undoubtedly strike you again, so prepare yourself by reading and soaking in the account of the temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4:1–11. Note that when the devil tried to tempt Jesus, He both resisted and fought back using the Word of God: “It is written. . . .”

Praying Scripture is a powerful way to pray. As we do, we submit to God. James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Whenever struggles with temptation seem overwhelming, prayer can be difficult—unless you wield the sword, which is the Word of God!

Remind yourself how Jesus insulated Himself from attack and resisted the devil. These four Scriptures and suggested prayers can help you resist and fight off the enemy’s attacks. You can continually remind the devil, “It is written …”:

Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Lord, I am facing temptation today. Your Word says that if I wait for You, You will renew my strength so that I can face the challenge and win the battle. Your Word says I can face this temptation without growing weary or faint. Help me to stand in the power of Your Word and face down what is tempting me right now!

2 Corinthians 12:10: “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Grace-filled Father, Your Word calls me to be content even as I struggle with temptation. Because of Jesus Christ, when I am the weakest, I am the strongest! By the power of Your Spirit, I will stand up to my weakness, knowing that You are working on my behalf to strengthen me in the middle of it!

Hebrews 2:18: “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

Lord Jesus, You completely understand the power of temptation, and yet, You resisted it—every time! Because You know what it’s like, I have the faith to believe You will help me in my suffering and struggle.

Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through [Christ] who gives me strength.”

Light of the World, I know that because of You I can do all things. Thank You for the strength to withstand the assault of the enemy who wants to destroy me just as He desired to destroy You. I believe I can do all things through Your powerful Name.

Praying Scripture gives you the truth of God’s Word to help you withstand and guard against temptation. The experiences of Jesus to endure temptation in the desert and resist the desire to save Himself from the cross, give us the authority to do the same. So, when you are tempted, reach out to Him in prayer. It is Your best defense against the devil, who would like nothing better than to defeat you over and over again.

Praying the Word of God into your situation, as Jesus did, is using the Truth to overcome whatever obstacle or temptation you may face in this life.

KIM BUTTS is cofounder and vice president of Harvest Prayer Ministries.