Encounter: Deliver Us From Evil

Music: The Second movement of Torelli’s trumpet Concerto in D (Etienne), plus an improvisation on the theme. Musicians: Philippa Barton, Helen Rees, Julian Chan, Jo Garcia, (strings) James Horsfall (keyboard) Solzhenitsyn wrote, ‘The line dividing good and evil cuts through the hearts of every human being, and which of us is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?’ Make us willing to face the things we need to face. Help us to overcome evil not just by avoiding infringing specific laws, but by being diligent in seeking You. May no pressures from within or without blunt our zeal for You. Lord, deliver us from evil. Confound confusion and scatter all the powers that are arrayed against us. Increase the flow of trust and the spirit of prayer within our hearts. “No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me," declares the Lord. We pray for those whose days are spent in close proximity to scheming people and corrupt and evil systems. Remind and reassure them that their present condition will not last for ever, that You will find a way to break the chains that bind them and set them free. In their loneliness, draw near. Keep them from inner confusion and alienation. Help us not to be gullible in the face of evil, Lord, but to recognise it clearly for what it is – even if that means admitting that we ourselves have been at fault. Help us to avoid excuses and denials which hinder Your work of truth.