“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day 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 evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. ~ Matthew 6:7–15
Heavenly Father, I am so glad that You forgive my sins, but it’s hard for me to forgive others for pain they have caused me. Yet Jesus Himself said that if we don’t forgive others, You won’t forgive us. I have so little to forgive compared to the forgiveness that You offer; help me to forgive the way You do. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, now and forever, world without end. Amen.
There are so many times that we forget this part that in forgiving others we seek forgiveness for our sins and shortcomings, this line is really an eye opener not only for me but for many people.
Glenn,
It’s always easier to think we deserve forgiveness when others don’t–I think that’s just human nature we have to overcome.
Although I’m not Christian, I think lent is an interesting holiday, and it’s refreshing to see people give certain things up as a ritual. My friend gave up internet access on his smart-phone, which would be hard for most to do.
Simon,
What we give up for Lent is nothing compared to Christ giving up His life for us to save us from our sins!
Ah yes, forgiveness. Often lauded, rarely practiced! Lent is a good reminder of just how far Christ went for us. Often times I think that just letting things go can avoid a great many conflicts and thus the need to forgive in the first place! I think that’s called ‘growing up’.
Susan,
Avoiding the need to forgive is a good idea–not always practiced, though!
For me, to forgive when it comes naturally is fairly easy. But to forgive when it’s difficult to do so ends up having extra meaning for me.
David,
I guess it depends on what the forgiveness is for. I don’t have any problems forgiving someone for a minor slight, but I had a very difficult time forgiving the “family friend” who raped my niece, who is severely mentally and physically handicapped.
We all pray for the forgiveness of our sins. Lent season is very important and we should not forget to forgive others as well. This we all pray in Jesus name.
Amen, Jane.
Hi,
Thanks! Ideally, I would like to forgive everyone who did wrong to me, but in reality, sometimes I am able to forgive but other times I can’t, no matter how hard I try! And sometimes, even if I can forgive, I find it difficult to forget!
Weird huh! Never mind, nice prayer though!
Harry,
I don’t think we mortals can forgive on our own when we’ve been hurt very badly. We have to have the help of the Holy Spirit.