Pope Shenouda III reflects on the final prayer phrase: “Deliver us from every evil grief and heartache.” He explains that there are two kinds of sorrow: a holy sorrow that leads to repentance and salvation, and an evil sorrow that destroys the soul and leads to despair.

Holy Sorrow

• Sorrow for one’s sins leading to repentance, as in David’s tears.

• Grief for others’ sins or for the Church, as Christ wept over Jerusalem.

• Sharing others’ sufferings and comforting the afflicted as a spiritual virtue.

• Natural human sorrow (loss or hardship) that remains filled with hope in God.

Evil Sorrow

• Sorrow over temporary worldly matters such as wealth, status, or pride.

• Sorrow arising from envy, selfishness, or attachment to one’s own will.

• Prolonged, hopeless sorrow leading to despair (like Judas), unlike Peter who repented with faith.

• Artificial or excessive sorrow, or mourning during rightful seasons of joy.

Spiritual Lessons

• God created man for joy; thus, we ask deliverance from destructive sorrow that kills the spirit.

• Holy sorrow brings repentance and inner purity, while evil sorrow darkens the soul.

• Hope and faith are the cure for all dark grief; joy in the Lord is our lasting strength.

Conclusion:
The prayer “Deliver us from every evil grief and heartache” teaches discernment between godly sorrow that leads to life and destructive sorrow that leads away from God.

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