Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 106 of 107
What do we pray for in the sixth petition?
A.In the sixth petition, which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or support and deliver us when we are tempted.
Which Bible passages support this answer?
The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 106. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.
- Matthew 6:12
and forgive us our debts, as we ourselves have forgiven our debtors. (NET)
- Matthew 26:41
Stay awake and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (NET)
- 2 Corinthians 12:7-8
7even because of the extraordinary character of the revelations. Therefore, so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble me—so that I would not become arrogant. 8I asked the Lord three times about this, that it would depart from me. (NET)
What does this answer mean?
In the sixth petition we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or support and deliver us when we are tempted. We admit we are weak and ask for his protection. The petition is honest about our weakness, and it trusts God to protect his children.
What can we ask our children?
- What is temptation?
- What two things do we ask God to do?
- What temptation can our family pray about this week?
Can I print this question?
Yes. Every printable here is free for home, church and co-op use. Press Print on any of these pages for a clean sheet.
- Memory card for question 106 (fold-over card, question on the front)
- Copywork page for question 106 (trace, then copy)
- Memory cards for questions 101 to 107
- Copywork for questions 101 to 107
- All Westminster Shorter Catechism printables
Text: The Shorter Catechism, constitutional text of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Public domain (1647). Proof references: Scripture proofs added by the Westminster Assembly, as transcribed by The Westminster Standard. Scripture quotations are from the NET Bible; see permissions.
Checked against a second edition on November 15, 2026. Explanation and questions by Household Theology Press. Last updated November 15, 2026.