Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.”
(Matthew 6:9-13)
We are all familiar with the Lord’s Prayer. We pray this every Sunday at Holy Communion service and even in our own devotions.
The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to:
- trust God as our Father
- praise of God for his glory,
- intercede for the needs of others
- petition for our needs and protection
- confess our sins
A mature life of prayer includes them all.
Yet Jesus zooms in on a particular aspect of prayer our life in Matthew.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
As the Lord has graciously forgiven us, he calls us to extend the same forgiveness and grace to others as well. We are to reflect our likeness to our heavenly Father.
Is there someone you may be holding a grudge against? Be God's instrument to extend mercy to him or her. In this way, not only will your prayers will be heard, but you will experience the blessing of God's peace and assurance.
Have a blessed day🙏