Q & A 127
Q. What does the sixth petition mean?
A. “And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one” means:
By ourselves we are too weak
to hold our own even for a moment. (1)
And our sworn enemies—
the devil, (2) the world, (3) and our own flesh— (4)
never stop attacking us.
And so, Lord,
vuphold us and make us strong
with the strength of your Holy Spirit,
so that we may not go down to defeat
in this spiritual struggle, (5)
but may firmly resist our enemies
until we finally win the complete victory. (6)
1 Ps. 103:14-16; John 15:1-5
2 2 Cor. 11:14; Eph. 6:10-13; 1 Pet. 5:8
3 John 15:18-21
4 Rom. 7:23; Gal. 5:17
5 Matt. 10:19-20; 26:41; Mark 13:33; Rom. 5:3-5
6 1 Cor. 10:13; 1 Thess. 3:13; 5:23
Q & A 128
Q. What does your conclusion to this prayer mean?
A. For the kingdom
and the power
and the glory are yours forever” means:
We have made all these petitions of you
because, as our all-powerful king,
you are both willing and able
to give us all that is good; (1)
and because your holy name,
and not we ourselves,
should receive all the praise, forever. (2)
1 Rom. 10:11-13; 2 Pet. 2:9
2 Ps. 115:1; John 14:13
Q & A 129
Q. What does that little word “Amen” express?
A. “Amen” means:
This shall truly and surely be!
It is even more sure
that God listens to my prayer
than that I really desire
what I pray for. (1)