In this prayer that Jesus taught us, after the phrase, ‘lead us not into temptation…’, it continues, ‘…but deliver us from evil’. It is another petition towards our Heavenly Father.
Another way that ‘deliver us’ is translated is, ‘rescue us’ from evil. Some Bible versions also use the ‘evil one’, to mean rescuing us from the Devil himself, also called Satan in the Bible.
In his book, The Sermon on the Mount, R.T. Kendall writes,
‘By telling us to pray, “Deliver us from the evil one”, Jesus acknowledged that evil is already here. God never explains the origin of evil. We may well wish we had. But had He done so, there would be no need of faith. Nearly every non-Christian I have ever witnessed to for any length of time, especially if he or she is a bit cerebral, asks, “If God exists, why doesn’t He stop all the suffering and evil and injustice that is in the world?” It is as if they are asking, “I would believe in God if there were no evil.” I reply: If you knew the answer to that question, there would be no need of faith by any of us. What makes faith faith is that we do not know why God allows suffering… God sent his Son into the world because evil exists.’ Pg 257
Let’s pray:
‘Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.’ 1 Peter 5: 8-9 NLT
Lord, as there is so much evil in the world, I pray that you would keep me alert to what is going on around me. Keep me discerning, knowing right from wrong, and good from evil. As I remember the Royal family today, I pray that they would stay alert as evil prowls around! Keep them mindful of where they go, what activities they are involved in and the people they associate with. I pray for great insight for the Security staff for the Royal Family. Lord keep the security staff mindful of the surroundings, locally and internationally where ever the Royal Family go. Alert the staff to potential dangers so that they can protect the Royal Family.
‘Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.’ James 4:7 NLT
As temptations come towards the Royal Family, subtly or overtly, I pray that you would prompt them in their gut that something is wrong. Lord, I ask that you would grow in them an inner instinct to be able to resist people, places and objects that would entice them to evil and temptation. It says in your word that if I resist the devil, he will flee. Lord, I ask that members of the Royal family would learn how to resist and stand firm against the evil one and that he would flee far from them.
‘I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.’ John 16:33 NLT
Although Jesus told his disciples that they would have trials and troubles, I am thankful that you have the upper hand – You have overcome evil by dying on the cross as you did. You know the end from the beginning. Thank You, Jesus, that you came into the world to save, rescue and deliver. How great you are! Father God, I pray that the Royal Family would know and learn this truth for themselves. Teach them, Lord, that they can take heart when evil comes at them in whatever way -that God is greater than the evil coming at them. Help them to readily discern it and call out to you to rescue them. Hear their prayers Oh Lord, and protect them with your mighty hand.
Lord, I ask that the Lord’s Prayer will be remembered in the hearts of the Royal family every day and that it will become real and tangible to them. Rescue them from evil every day of their lives. As Romans 8: 37-39 (NLT) reads:
‘No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’
Thank you that although evil may come against the Royal Family, that you reign supreme, and Your love is great for them. Lord, lead them to you. Show them how much You love them by dying on the cross for them to rescue them from evil. Lord, I long for the day that they all put their trust in you as their Heavenly Father.
Deliver them even today, I ask,
Amen.
Related posts: