Deliver Us from Evil

…but deliver us from evil. (Matthew 6:13, ESV)

The magnitude of this prayer petition from our Lord’s guide to praying can only be thoroughly embraced when we truly comprehend that evil is not only a “thing, presence or force to be resisted or counteracted,” but evil can also be an activity that has gone wrong. That means even we can perpetuate evil. Even God’s children, Jesus’ lambs and followers can participate in evil. But when evil comes, regardless of whom or what it comes through it is also the place and opportunity God seeks to turn that very activity into something good, beneficial, or holy and the place from which his ongoing creative work is at play.

When evil comes through the forces of darkness God deals with it accordingly. But when it comes through his own, he first loves the sinner then forgives him or her and offers that same sinner fellowship with him. God’s deliverance from evil is not an act or activity of hate or revenge against evil but a loving creative act of mercy, redemption and toward the sinner. Let’s Pray,

Lord, the devil is always at work bringing about evil, may we never intentionally be those who participate in or perpetuate it but when we do we pray, deliver and redeem us. Amen

Reflective Questions for Soul-Tending:

How will you praise God for his creative, redemptive activity in your life even when you have participated in our perpetuated evil?

How will you incorporate today’s message into your plan of soul-care?