1 Corinthians 15.20–26

20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. 21 For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; 22 for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

In Easter, we proclaim for 50 days: alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ’s victory over death does not simply mean that Christ will live for ever. Christ’s victory means resurrection for all who trust in him by faith.

When we pray, ‘deliver us from evil’, we make our prayer from the perspective of this great and permanent victory. Neither cancer, nor abuse, nor depression, nor bereavement, nor dementia, nor an accident of any kind can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

This victory, in turn, gives hope, strength and resilience in every dimension and every period of our Christian lives.

Think back over your life. Can you recall any times of real suffering from which, looking back, you can see you were delivered by the love of God?

Strengthen those who stand;
comfort and help the faint-hearted;
raise up the fallen;
and finally beat down Satan under our feet.
Hear us, good Lord.

From the Litany