Why do we pray “deliver us from evil”?

Our Savior does not only exhort us to pray for ourselves, but He also desires that the needs of our neighbor and of all mankind would be the concern of our hearts.

1 Cor. 12:26: And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it.

For what do we pray in the Seventh Petition?

But deliver us from evil. What does this mean? We pray in this petition, as the sum of all, that our Father in heaven would deliver us from every evil of body and soul, property and honor, and finally, when our last hour has come, grant us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this vale of tears to Himself in heaven.

As a result of sin there is much evil and suffering in this world. For this reason we pray that God would spare us, so that we would not have to experience it, that He would take away the cross He has given us to bear, or give us the strength to bear it, and cause it to work for our good. We also pray that He would protect us from falling into the control of the devil, and finally would deliver us from all evil through a blessed death.

Ps. 90:10: The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow.

Heb. 12:6: For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.

Job. 5:19: He shall deliver thee in six troubles; yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.

Is. 40:29: He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.

Luke 2:29: Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word.

How can we successfully resist temptation?

We cannot successfully resist temptation with our own strength or our own wisdom, but with God’s strength and wisdom we can ovecome them. Therefore when we are tempted, we are to pray in faith, and use as our weapons God’s Word, Christ’s victory over the tempter, and God’s grace.

If we have nevertheless fallen, we may penitently confess our sins, trust in Christ, and believe that our sins have been forgiven through God’s grace.

Eph. 6:13: Take unto you the whole armour of God.

Heb. 2:18: For in that He Himself hath suffered, being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted.

Rom. 5:20: Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.

1 Joh. 5:4-5: This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God.

Matt. 14:30: (Peter, about to sink) Lord, save me!

For what do we pray in the Sixth Petition?

In the Sixth Petition we pray that God would keep temptations from us, but if He permits them to come to us, that He would enable us to overcome them.

Eph. 6:13,18: Take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand... praying always with all prayer and supplication.

1 Cor. 10:13: God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Luther: “We must endure trials, yea, be engulfed in them; but we pray for this, that we may not fall and be drowned in them.”

What are temptations?

Temptations are the type of trials through which the devil, the world and our sinful flesh try, by deceitful means, to seduce us away from God’s Word into false belief, fleshly carelessness and other sins, and finally into unbelief. The tempter presents sin to us as something good, advantageous and pleasant. If he succeeds in getting us to fall, he tries to make us believe, that our sin is so great, that it will not be forgiven. The tempter wants us to remain in unbelief as slaves of sin, and finally be eternally damned.

James 1:13-14: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God... But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away, of his own lust, and enticed.

Prov. 1:10: My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

Matt. 18:7: Woe unto the world because of offences!

Gen. 4:7: Sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

What are good trials?

The good trials are of God. Through them He tests His children, permitting them to experience tribulation and difficulties in order to purify their faith, to strengthen and protect them from something much worse.

Joh. 6:5-6: Jesus saith unto Philip: Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do.

Ps.139:23-24: Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts.

Ps. 119:67: Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept Thy Word.

Is. 48:10: Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

Joh. 5:14: Jesus said to the man who had been sick for 38 years: Behold, thou art made whole; sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

Assignment: Read Gen. 22:1-12: God tests Abraham, and Mark 7:25-30: Jesus tests the Canaanite woman. Read about Job. What kind of an attitude did he have after he was tested? Job 42:1-6: and 2 Cor. 8:12: in the Macedonian churches “in a severe test of affliction”.

When a believer confesses his faith in Jesus, he has to suffer because of Jesus’ name. This is called a cross. This is a good type of trial.

Assignment: Study the Bible to see what it says about the cross. Read Matt. 5:11-12; 10:37-38 and 1 Pet. 4:12-16.

What types of trials confront people here on earth?

And lead us not into temptation. What does this mean? God indeed tempts no one; but we pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us, so that the devil, the world, and our flesh may not deceive us nor seduce us into misbelief, despair, and other great shame and vice; and though we be assailed by them, that still we may finally overcome and obtain the victory.

There are two types of trials, good and evil. Evil trials are called temptations.

What kind of an exhortation and reminder to us is the fact that God has forgiven our sins?

The fact that God forgives us our sins solely by His grace

1. Exhorts us with grateful hearts to forgive, from our hearts, all of our neighbor’s sins against us.
   

   Col. 3:13: Even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.



2. Reminds us, that whoever does not want to forgive his neighbor, but still believes that he himself has God’s forgiveness, is deceiving himself. Such a person truly does not know his own sins, and does not have forgiveness for them, but in his impenitence brings God’s judgment on himself.
   

   Matt. 6:15: If ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Assignment: Read Matt. 18:23-35: Jesus’ parable of the merciless servant.

Luther: “If, therefore, you do not forgive, then do not think that God forgives you; but if you forgive, you have that consolation and assurance, that you are forgiven in heaven, not on account of your forgiving – for God forgives freely and without condition, out of pure grace, because He has so promised, as the Gospel teaches – but in order that He may set this up for our confirmation and assurance for a sign alongside of the promise which accords with this prayer, Luke 6:37 ’Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven’. ”

When we pray for forgiveness, why do we add the words “as we forgive those who trespass against us” to our prayer?

Our forgiveness does not cause God to forgive us our sins, for God has already forgiven our sins and the sins of all people in Christ His Son, because of His Son’s work of atonement. We do not therefore earn forgiveness for ourselves by forgiving the sins of our fellow men, who have sinned against us. We receive forgiveness for our sins solely by grace, through faith, without our works. It is a free gift of God.

In the Lord’s Prayer our Savior does not teach unbelievers how to pray, but rather teaches those, who already believe that their sins have been forgiven, and who know the grace of God. Thus in this petition the Savior teaches believers, that they are always to watch, so that their hearts will not become hardened toward their neighbor, and so that they will not in this way drive out the Holy Spirit from their hearts, and lose their saving faith and forgiveness, because of their unbelief.

Assignment: Read Matt. 5:21-26: Jesus teaches the disciples to live together in harmony.

How often do we need this prayer?

Because we always have with us our flesh that has been corrupted by original sin, and we sin in many ways every day and deserve nothing but punishment, we therefore constantly need the comfort of forgiveness. Just as we pray for daily bread every day, so we also need to pray for spiritual bread or forgiveness of sins every day.

Gen. 32:10: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which Thou hast showed unto They servant.

Luke 15:21: Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and in they sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

Dan. 6:10,11: He kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Dan. 9:18-19: We do not present our supplications before Thee for our righteousnesses, but for Thy great mercies. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive.

For what do we pray in the Fifth Petition?

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. What does this mean? We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look upon our sins, nor on their account deny our prayer; for we are worthy of none of the things for which we pray, neither have we deserved them; but that He would grant them all to us by grace; for we daily sin much and indeed deserve nothing but punishment. So will we also heartily forgive, and readily do good to, those who sin against us.

Our Savior teaches us to ask God to forgive us our sins. For it is our own sins that cause us and all our fellow believers the greatest and bitterest distress.

Ps. 130:3-4: If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared.

Luther: “Not as though God did not forgive sin without and even before our prayer, for He has given us the Gospel, in which is pure forgiveness before we prayed or even thought about it. But this is to the intent that we may recognize and accept such forgiveness.”

What does our Lord Christ teach us with the words “this day” and “daily”?

With the words “this day” and “daily” our Lord Christ teaches us that we need these gifts just one day at a time. Therefore we are not to worry about our future livelihood as the pagans do.

Matt. 6:34: Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Assignment: Read Matt. 6:25-34: Jesus urges us to consider the birds of the air and the lilies of the field.

What does our Lord Jesus Christ teach us with the words “our bread”?

By using the words “our bread” our Lord Christ teaches us to ask for bread that comes to us in a manner that is in accord with His will. At the same time He teaches us that we are not to desire bread, which does not belong to us. He also teaches us to remember those neighbors of our who are in need.

2 Thess. 3:10-12: If any would not work, neither should he eat... Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

Eph. 4:28: Let him that stole, steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

What is meant by daily bread?

Give us this day our daily bread. What does this mean? God gives daily bread indeed without our prayer, also to all the wicked; but we pray in this petition that He would lead us to know it, and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving. What is meant by daily bread? (Daily bread is) Everything that belongs to the support and wants of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, field, cattle, money, goods, a pious spouse, pious children, pious servants, pious and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, discipline, honor, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.

Daily bread is everything we need for our temporal life. God is ready to provide it, and does provide it, to everyone every day. But He wants us to ask Him for it in our prayers and thankfully to confess that we receive it as a free gift out His great goodness.

Matt. 5:45: He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

1 Tim. 4:4-5: For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer.

Assignment: Discuss: How are we to understand famines, wars, and disasters, through which human lives are lost. Read Ps. 139:16 and Luke 13:1-5.

For what do we pray in the Third Petition?

Because the evil will of the devil, the world and our flesh resists God’s good and gracious will, we pray in the Third Petition, that God would break that evil will or turn it to our good, and would strengthen us, so that we could endure and remain in faith unto the end.

1 Pet. 5:8-9: Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

1 Joh. 2:15-17: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.

2 Thess. 3:3: But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

Gen. 50:20: Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.

What is the good and gracious will of God?

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. What does this mean? The good and gracious will of God is done indeed without our prayer; but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also. How is this done? (God’s good and gracious will is done among us) When God breaks and hinders every evil counsel and will which would not let us hallow God’s name nor let His kingdom come, such as the will of the devil, the world, and our flesh; but strengthens and preserves us steadfast in His Word and faith unto our end. This is His gracious and good will.

The good and gracious will of God is that we would remain in faith, would patiently live according to His will, and finally enter the eternal glory of heaven.

1 Tim. 2:4: (God) will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Ps. 86:11: Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth.

Acts 14:22: We must through much tribulation enter in the kingdom of God.

Joh. 6:40: This is the will of Him that sent Me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

For what do we pray in the Second Petition?

We pray that

1. True faith and righteous living according to God’s will might increase, and Christ’s kingdom of grace would grow and expand.
   

   2 Pet. 3:18: Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
   
   2 Thess. 3:1: Pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.
   
   Matt. 9:38: Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.



2. Christ’s kingdom of glory would come soon
   

   Luke 12:32: Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
   
   Rev. 22:20: He Which testifieth these things saith: Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

What is meant by God´s kingdom in the Second Petition?

Thy kingdom come. What does this mean? The kingdom of God comes indeed without our prayer, of itself; but we pray in this petition that it may come unto us also. How is this done? (The kingdom of God comes to us) When our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead a godly life, here in time and hereafter in eternity.

God’s kingdom in this petition does not refer to an earthly kingdom, but to Christ’s kingdom of grace here in time, and to His kingdom of glory in heaven.

Rom. 14:17: The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Luke 17:20: The kingdom of God cometh not with observation

Joh. 18:36: My kingdom is not of this world.

Phil. 3:20-21: For our conversation is in heaven, from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself.

How is God´s name profaned?

God’s name is profaned by

1. Teaching contrary to what God’s Word teaches (false doctrine).
   

   Ezek. 22:26: Her priests have violated my Law, and have profaned mine holy things... and I am profaned among them.



2. Living contrary to the way God’s Word teaches us to live (sinful life).
   
   

   Rom. 2:23-24: Thou that makest thy boast of the Law, through breaking the Law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you.

   
   
   Luther: “In the first place then, God’s name is profaned when men preach, teach, and speak in the name of God what is false and misleading, so that His name must serve to adorn and to find a market for falsehood. That is, indeed, the greatest profanation and dishonor of the divine name. In the second place, also by an openly wicked life and works, when those who are called Christians and the people of god are adulterers, drunkards, misers, envious and slanderous.”

How is God´s name hallowed?

God’s name is hallowed, when

1. God’s Word is taught clearly and purely (pure doctrine).
   

   Joh. 17:17: Sanctify them though thy truth; thy Word is truth.
   
   Jer. 23:28: He that hath my Word, let him speak my word faithfully.



2. We live as God’s obedient children according to His Word (righteous life).
   

   Matt. 5:16: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

   
   
   Luther: “God will not hear anything more dear to Him than that His honor and praise is exalted above everything else, and His Word is taught in its purity and is esteemed precious and dear.”