“But Deliver Us From Evil”
- Meaning: This final petition is a cry for protection and liberation from the forces of evil in the world. It acknowledges the reality of spiritual darkness and the power of sin that seeks to ensnare us. It’s an appeal to God’s strength and sovereignty to shield us from harm and keep us safe in His care.
- Intent: This petition expresses our complete reliance on God for deliverance. It recognizes that we cannot overcome evil on our own and that we need His intervention to protect us from spiritual and physical harm. It’s a prayer for both present and future deliverance, asking God to guide us through life’s challenges and ultimately lead us to eternal salvation.
- Scriptural Background: The Bible speaks of the constant battle between good and evil and the need for God’s protection.
- Old Testament: Psalm 91:1-4: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
- New Testament: 1 John 5:18-19: “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”
- Church Teaching:
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2850): “In this petition, evil is not an abstraction, but refers to a person, Satan, the Evil One, the angel who opposes God… By the final ‘Amen’ of the Lord’s Prayer, we express our ‘fiat’ concerning the seven petitions: ‘So be it.'”
- St. Augustine (Our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount): “Deliver us from evil: not from this or that particular evil, but from evil in general, from all evil.”
- Martin Luther (Large Catechism): “This petition… includes all the afflictions and trials that may happen to us, such as poverty, shame, death, and all sorts of misfortune… We pray that God would graciously protect and preserve us that we may be free from such misfortunes.”
In essence, “But deliver us from evil” is a prayer of ultimate trust and dependence on God. It acknowledges the reality of evil in the world and our need for His protection and guidance. It’s a call to remain vigilant in our spiritual lives and to seek refuge in God’s loving embrace, trusting that He will ultimately deliver us from all harm and lead us to eternal life.
Prayer and Meditation With
“But deliver us from evil.” These words, filled with both urgency and trust, can lead us to a deeper reliance on our Trinitarian God and a greater awareness of His protection in a world often shrouded in darkness.
Preparing our hearts:
Find a quiet space where you can be still and present with God. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and release any fears or anxieties that may be weighing on you. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and open your heart to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Acknowledging the reality of evil:
Reflect on the presence of evil in the world – the brokenness, suffering, injustice, and temptation that surround us. Recognize the spiritual forces at work that seek to harm us and draw us away from God. Acknowledge your own vulnerability to these forces and your need for divine protection.
Remembering Jesus’ victory over darkness:
Bring to mind the image of Jesus confronting evil throughout His ministry – healing the sick, casting out demons, and ultimately conquering death through His resurrection. Recall His words, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Reflect on how His victory provides hope and assurance in the face of darkness.
Seeking the Spirit’s refuge:
Sense the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit within you, offering a safe haven from the storms of life. Reflect on the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – which empower you to resist evil and stand firm in your faith.
Praying for deliverance and protection:
With a humble and trusting heart, pray “But deliver us from evil.” Ask the Father to shield you from harm, both physical and spiritual. Pray for the strength to resist temptation and the wisdom to discern the deceptive tactics of the evil one. Ask the Spirit to guide you on the path of righteousness and keep you safe in God’s loving embrace.
Living with courage and faith:
Carry this awareness of God’s protection into your daily life. Face challenges with courage, knowing that you are not alone in your struggles. Trust in God’s power to deliver you from evil and remain steadfast in your faith, even in the face of adversity.
By meditating on “But deliver us from evil,” we deepen our relationship with our Trinitarian God. We acknowledge the reality of evil before the Father, draw strength from Jesus’ victory over darkness, and seek refuge in the Spirit’s comforting presence. This petition invites us to live with confidence and trust, knowing that God is our protector and deliverer, guiding us safely through the challenges of life and leading us ultimately to eternal life.
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Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post