Confirmation Devotions Jan 11, 2017 Deliver Us from Evil

Confirmation Devotions – Jan 11, 2017 – Deliver Us From Evil

Read the Seventh Petition and Conclusion Several Times and Begin to Commit to Memory – Including the Explanation Sections

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.

The Conclusion 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. Have each youth express evil they have seen. (Evil ranges from the truly awful like Saddam Hussein, Hitler or ISIS to kids making fun of others at school. Encourage them to explore both ends and in between.)

2. What things in the modern world are evil (sinful) but we as a culture and country refuse to call them evil anymore? (Abortion is a big one, so is sex outside of marriage, but there are also other ones we don’t think about as much; disrespecting our parents or other authorities like the police, lying about everyday things, failing to put God first in our lives.) a. Why do we not call these things evil anymore? (partly so we do not have to feel guilty while doing them, but let the kids get here on their own)

3. How can we protect ourselves from evil? (Let the youth give answers, but if they struggle use Ephesians 6:10 – 18 – The Armor of God as a guide.) a. How should you handle it when your friends are doing something sinful? b. How do you really handle it most of the time?

4. Are we promised freedom from evil, pain, and hurt here on earth? (Read John 16:33. Ultimately peace will only come in Heaven. But we pray for and work against evil here on earth.) a. What are some tools you can use to be able to handle the pain we suffer here on earth? b. Have you ever seen or heard of someone who cannot take all the bad stuff on earth anymore? What are some of the consequences of someone feeling like they have no hope? c. How can you help someone in this situation?

If there is time, you can do prayer requests and a short prayer. If not, join with the entire group and Pastor will close with prayer at 6:58 pm.