Episode 65: The Seventh Petition and Conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer

The Seventh Petition

But deliver us from evil.

What does this mean? We pray in this petition, in summary, that our Father in heaven would rescue us from every evil of body and soul, possessions and reputation, and finally, when our last hour comes, give us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to Himself in heaven.

Large Catechism Part 3:112-118

1. Who is the evil one from whom we pray for deliverance?
   The devil.
   
   
2. In this final petition we pray that God would protect us from every evil of body and soul, possession and reputation, in short, we are praying that God’s name be hallowed, his kingdom come, and His will be done among us. What is our final request in this petition?
   And finally, when our last hour comes, give us a blessed end and graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to Himself in heaven. 

Large Catechism Part 3:119-124

Conclusion to the Lord’s Prayer

For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.  

What does this mean?

This means that I should be certain that these petitions are pleasing to our Father in heaven, and are heard by Him; for He Himself has commanded us to pray in this way and has promised to hear us. Amen, amen means “yes, yes, it shall be so.”

1. Why do you pray?
   Because, God has command us to pray in this way and has promised to hear us.
   “Call upon me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you and you will glorify me.” Psalm 50:15
   Jesus said, “Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…” Matthew 6:9
   “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22
   
   
2. What does amen mean?
   Yes, yes, it shall be so.  
    “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory.” 2 Corinthians 1:20
   “Amen, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Mark 10:15
   “who gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Galatians 5:4-5
   
   
3. Why do we say amen at the end of a prayer?
   By faith we believe God will answer our prayer.
   “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22
   “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:5-6
   
   
4. When do we say, “amen” in church? Why? (Start on page 184 of the Lutheran Service Book and make note when the congregation says, “amen.”)
   
   
5. Who says “amen” more in the Divine Service, the pastor or the congregation? Why?
   
   The congregation says, “amen” in response to what the pastor says.
   
   By saying, “amen” the congregation makes the pastor’s words their own.