Aug. 10, 2025 - Deliver us from Evil

When we recite the Lord's Prayer, are we truly engaging with its profound meaning, or are we simply going through the motions? This timeless prayer, taught by Jesus himself, is far more than a collection of familiar phrases. It's a template for our spiritual lives, a guide for our relationship with God, and a call to transform our hearts and actions.

Let's delve into the final petition of the Lord's Prayer: "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." At first glance, this request might seem puzzling. After all, doesn't the Bible tell us that God doesn't tempt anyone? So what are we really asking for?

The key lies in understanding the original language. A more accurate translation might be "Lead us not into a time of testing." This shifts our perspective from avoiding mere temptations to seeking God's protection during life's most challenging moments.

Consider some of the intense "testings" we see in Scripture:

- Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days, physically depleted and facing the devil's enticements
- Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son Isaac, wrestling with faith and obedience
- Christ on the cross, enduring not just physical agony but the spiritual anguish of feeling forsaken by God
- Peter, facing martyrdom for his unwavering faith in Jesus

These weren't simple temptations, but profound trials that shook these individuals to their very core. When we pray "lead us not into temptation," we're essentially saying, "God, if possible, spare us from those extreme tests of faith. Yet, if we must face them as we follow your will, give us the strength to endure."

The prayer continues, asking for deliverance from evil. This evil isn't just a cartoon devil with a pitchfork. It's a multifaceted force that can manifest in various ways:

1. Personified evil: Sometimes evil does take human form, whether it's the devil himself or people who embody wickedness throughout history.

2. Systemic evil: We see this in societal injustices like racism or corrupt political systems that oppress and harm.

3. Internal evil: Perhaps most insidious is the evil that resides within our own hearts – our tendency to choose selfishness over God's will.

This internal struggle is beautifully illustrated in the story of Adam and Eve. God created them for perfect relationship – vulnerable, unashamed, walking with their Creator in the cool of the evening. Yet they chose their own desires over God's command, introducing shame, hiding, and brokenness into the human experience.

We all carry this tendency from birth – the desire to have what we want, when we want it, often at the expense of others or our relationship with God. If left unchecked, these internal evils can consume us, leading to addictions, hatred, and a life that falls far short of God's intentions.

So how do we combat evil in its many forms? The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, gives us practical guidance:

"Do not repay evil with evil."

It's a simple statement, but one that goes against our natural instincts. When someone wrongs us, our first impulse is often to strike back or escalate the situation. Yet this only perpetuates a cycle of harm. Instead, Paul challenges us to break that cycle through radical love:

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink."

This isn't just about being nice. It's about embodying a completely different way of living that reflects the transformative power of Christ. When we choose to respond to evil with love and service, we set ourselves apart. We demonstrate that our faith is more than words – it's a force that can change the world.

Living this way isn't easy. It requires daily surrender to God, a constant choice to put aside our own desires and embrace His will. Perhaps this is why Jesus taught us to pray for deliverance from evil every single day. We need that continual reminder and empowerment to live differently.

As we reflect on the Lord's Prayer, let's ask ourselves: Is this prayer truly shaping who we are? Is it molding our worldview, our outlook on each day, our understanding of our place in God's plan? Are we allowing these words to penetrate deep into our hearts, helping us to:

- Love more deeply
- Serve more selflessly
- Forgive more readily
- Put God's will before our own

The Lord's Prayer isn't meant to be a rote recitation. It's an invitation to align our hearts with God's purposes. It's a daily recommitment to living as citizens of His kingdom, even as we navigate the challenges of this world.

When we truly engage with this prayer, we open ourselves to profound transformation. We acknowledge our dependence on God for our daily needs, both physical and spiritual. We commit to extending the forgiveness we've received to others. And we recognize our need for God's protection and guidance in the face of evil and temptation.

Let this prayer be more than words on your lips. Allow it to shape your very being. As you pray, "Our Father in heaven," remember the intimacy of that relationship. When you say, "Your kingdom come, your will be done," reaffirm your commitment to God's purposes above your own. And as you ask for deliverance from evil, open your eyes to the ways God is calling you to be an agent of His love and goodness in a world that desperately needs it.

The Lord's Prayer is a powerful tool, given to us by Jesus himself. It's not just a recitation – it's a roadmap for a life transformed by grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and dedicated to bringing a glimpse of God's kingdom into our everyday world. May we never lose sight of its profound impact as we seek to live it out, day by day.