Deliver Us From Evil

I saw the incredibly riveting documentary "Deliver us From Evil." It follows one particular Catholic Priest's journey of molestation and rape of children through several parishes in California.

The film paints the hierarchy of the Catholic church in a terrible light - cover up, deception, etc. I was deeply moved by the film and I am working on an article for Relevant - It is ironic that the Archdiocese of Los Angeles awarded $660 million to victims of these pedophile priests. We watched part of Larry King tonight as he spoke with some of the survivors.

I have a lot to say about the tendency of institutions to protect themselves and poistions of power, while disposing of victims, but I'll save it for my article.

Had an AWESOME gathering last night. We talk about the correlation between prayer and revival. Then we split up in pairs and "prayer walked" through Yaletown. I have included the breakdown of the Lord's Prayer below:

The Lord’s Prayer contextualized for Yaletown

Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

This opening of the prayer is an acknowledgement of who God is. God is our Father – everything we have and are comes from His Hand. He is the Creator over all – the ruler over all. He is absolutely and completely sovereign. Hallowed is not a word we use in everyday English. Hallowed is to make something holy, or to honor as holy. By praying this part of the prayer, we acknowledge the absolute holiness of God – His name is above every other name in heaven and on earth. Before Him all of creation will one-day bow – Think of this as you walk through Yaletown. Every person you pass will one day bow down and proclaim that Jesus.

Your kingdom come Your will be done, On Earth as it is in Heaven

This is a prayer of complete and total social renewal. As you walk through the streets, pray that God’s kingdom would be established in the lives, businesses and apartments that you pass by. Pray that God’s will would be done in the lives of the people you pass. Roundhouse – When you come to the roundhouse, pray that God’s will would be established and manifest in this place where so many people come in search of community.

Give us this day our daily bread.

Many people in Yaletown do not need to worry about where their “daily bread” comes from. But as you walk be on the lookout for someone who may be homeless and troubled, offer to buy them some food. If they do not accept your offer, ask them if they want prayer for anything. (If you want to give money, use your discretion). UGM Youth Center – corner of Helmcken and Seymour – although this may not be considered part of Yaletown – it is close enough to pray for. Pray that God would bless this ministry as they give out “daily bread” to those in need. If it is open, go in and introduce yourself to a staff member – tell them you are from Urban Sanctuary – a new church in Yaletown. Ask how we can support their ministry.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who have trespassed against us.

This is a prayer of confession and forgiveness. Find a place on a park bench or somewhere quiet(!) and ask God to forgive you of any sin you are holding on to. Ask God to help you to forgive those who have sinned against you or have hurt you. Ask God to help you release your feelings of anger, bitterness or resentment you are holding on to.

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

There are some obvious places of temptation in Yaletown – the bars and clubs can tempt us into lifestyles focused on our flesh, and not of our spirit. There are also places of sexual temptation – Madame Cleos is an escort agency on the corner of Helmcken and Homer. The Penthouse is a strip club at Seymour and Smithe. Pray outside these places of temptation – both for the women involved in this difficult lifestyle and the men who may be caught in cycles of sexual bondage and addiction. Also pray for your own areas of temptation – that god would keep you from the evil both from within us and from outside of us. Pray that Urban Sanctuary as a whole would be a true Sanctuary for people to leave their brokenness and pain behind, and enter into the light of Christ’s forgiveness.

For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen!

Pray this as you are walking back to 950 Cambie. Praise God that He is all powerful! He will restore this city, slowly through our prayers and efforts of love and service! Pray that His kingdom will come in all the places you saw and prayed for on your walk –and for any people you may have passed, or talked to.