Deliver us from evil
When I was in seminary I had the opportunity to learn how theologians have historically viewed the prayer Jesus left for us. This prayer is recited and prayed at many church services, prayer meetings, and during family prayer time. I often remind myself to focus on each line of the Our Father’s prayer...in order to recognize and receive the full impact of each line of the prayer. This week was different. I did not need to remind myself to focus.
As I prayed the prayer Jesus left for us in Matthew 6:9-13 this week - when I reached the line that says “deliver us from evil” - I paused. This week those words had special meaning to me. This week I was especially grateful to God for deliverance from evil. When the US capitol was under seige; evil was visibly seen. I thank God for protection. We can all thank God for his protection.
The Our Father's prayer covers every part of our lives...both physical and spiritual. When you can't seem to get your prayer together. When you are out of words to pray. When you just want to talk to the Lord in prayer. The model prayer Jesus left for us is always fitting. We thank you Lord for leaving us a model prayer.
Let us pray:
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever
Amen
