It refers to God s covenantal curses incurred for infidelity of the covenant. From Evil can also mean from the evil one , the devil. We ask you, Father, not only to protect us from evil deeds, but especially to guard us from falling under the influence of the evil one. Protect us also, our Father, from ourselves. Temptation is a covenant reality which we often bring upon ourselves by our pride.
Temptation follows pride with the inevitability that night follows day.
So we ask you, Father, lead us not into temptation. In other words we are asking you, Father, to make us humble. Keep us from becoming overconfident, complacent, self-seeking and boastful. Father, keep us humble in this life so that in your due time you can exhalt us in eternity. Pride leads us to focus on ourselves.