Deliver Us From Evil

(#1013, Imperial, 1963)

Read Matthew 6:9-13.

The disciples had been with Christ and seen Him pray.  They learned to understand something of the connection between His wondrous life and His prayer life.  We need to know how to make prayer acceptable to God.  We need to know how to touch the Throne and bring God's power down (Mt. 6:6).  It's interesting that Jesus did not teach His disciples how to preach, only how to pray. To speak to God is more important than speaking to men.  Power with God is far superior to power with men.

The request we consider today pictures the Christian as a warrior.

Evil.

ƒ      There is external evil, having to do with our circumstances.  For example it is evil to be in pain, to be crushed with sorrow.  In fact all of life is evil (Rom. 8:22-23).

ƒ      Then there is internal evil, having to do with our hearts and all that is contrary to the will of God.

So we are praying for deliverance, rescue.

The Evil One (the Source of Evil).

Whether external or internal there is a connection with Satan.  He is at the bottom of it all.  This started back in eternity past (Isa. 14:12-15).  It is still Satan's aim to frustrate God's plan and purpose.  So our conflict is not with mere flesh and blood but with empires with forces that control the hosts of evil in heavenly places.

Spiritual warfare.

This is a battle we cannot win without significant help.  And where else could we turn for help and strength and victory?  In Ephesians 6, after we are given armor to wear in the battle, the Apostle Paul then uses prayer as the weapon to help in meeting Satan (v18).  Through prayer God is brought into the picture so we draw upon His help and strength.

And ultimately we can say that this is one of the last prayers God will answer.  He will someday deliver us completely and eternally from evil.  This time may be very soon.

Power with God is of first importance!