A Prayer about the Temptation to Rule the World

Faithful Jesus,

As we continue studying your wilderness temptations, 

we see something we often forget: 

Satan, is, in one sense, the “ruler of this world” (John 12:31), 

and yet, of course, he is also, the “father of lies” (John 8:44). 

Satan shows you all the kingdoms of the world 

and says you can have them if you will only worship him. 

May we never forget, as you certainly never forgot, 

whatever authority Satan has in this world 

was given him by God, 

and ultimately God’s power trumps Satan’s. 

It is Satan’s very power you came to defeat. 

It is your heavenly Father’s will 

you came to do. 

Help us to see the single-mindedness of your purpose; 

help us to live that same single-mindedness 

when Satan tempts us to rule over our own lives: 

“You shall worship the Lord your God, 

and him only shall you serve” (Luke 4:7).

In your ruling name. Amen.

Read Luke 4:5-8.