In the last two petitions we have asked to be forgiven our past sins and to be preserved from sin in the future. We now add to these requests a further request to be delivered from all evil, past, present, and future. If we are to be "delivered" from evil, it implies that we are already involved in it. Alas, we are all immersed in evil from our very infancy. Original sin has sown its evil seed; pride is deeply rooted, selfishness, unkindness to others, resentment, rash judgment, love of indulging our senses, indolence, rebellion against God, neglect of prayer, self-will, unwillingness to submit still abound. O God, deliver me from these evils which still cling to me and defile me!

Not only are these evil tendencies still strong in us, but my own wilful acts have strengthened and developed them in me. They have become habitual in me, and it is difficult to shake off what is a habit. I do not enjoy the liberty of the children of God, because I have made myself a slave by my unwillingness to overcome myself, and to put on the sweet yoke of Jesus Christ. How am I to be rid of these self-made bonds? I can only pray, "Deliver me, O my God, from my evil and corrupt self!"

When I look forward, I do so with secret apprehension of the punishment due to me. Have I not deserved Hell? Have I not merited eternal separation from Thee? Have I not deserved to be left to myself to reap the bitter fruit of my own ill deeds? Yes, I have indeed, but still I cry, O God, in Thy mercy, deliver me from all the evil consequences of my unfaithfulness, and my sins. Have mercy on me, O Lord! Spare me, O Lord, for I am weak. Without Thee I can do nothing.