Deliver Us from the Wiles of the Adversary – Part 1: Meditation on the Sunset Absolution
The lecture reflects on the Sunset Absolution, explaining that the end of the day should be filled with thanksgiving to God, just as the believer begins the day with thanksgiving, because the whole life of a person is a continually renewed divine gift.
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III emphasizes that thanksgiving is not limited to what a person personally received, but extends to all of God’s blessings upon him and upon others. Thanksgiving brings more blessings, while lack of thanksgiving deprives a person of many blessings.
The lecture also explains the meaning of addressing God by saying, “Our Compassionate King.” God is the King who rules hearts with love and compassion, not by domination. Therefore, the believer should reflect this compassion in dealing with others, especially if he is in a position of leadership or responsibility.
The lecture explains that passing through the day in peace is not something natural, but rather a gift from God that deserves thanksgiving, while inviting the person to examine himself: Did he live this peace with God and with people, or did he lose it through quarrels, anger, or sin?
It also emphasizes that prayer should not consist only of requests, but should also include thanksgiving and glorification, because glorifying God is a confession of His greatness and His divine attributes, and it is an essential part of the spiritual life.
The lecture explains the importance of asking God to accept one’s prayers, because not every prayer is accepted. The accepted prayer is the one offered with faith, humility, love, and reverence, and in accordance with the will of God.
At the conclusion of this part, the prayer asks for protection from the wiles of the adversary and all his traps, relying on God to preserve the believer throughout the night just as He preserved him throughout the day, in preparation for continuing the meditation in the next part.
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