Pastor’s Corner – October 20, 2022
Thoughts on the Lord’s Prayer Part 5
Disciples spanning the ages and circling the globe share a common prayer, the Lord’s Prayer. Just imagine how many times this prayer has been offered. Just imagine all the situations that have inspired the use of these words of Jesus. Just imagine all the languages used to speak this prayer. Just imagine how much peace, wisdom, comfort, and inspiration the Lord’s Prayer has produced in the lives of Jesus’ followers.
In consideration of its significance and wide usage, I want to share some of my thoughts about the Lord’s Prayer.
The third petition Jesus invites us to pray: And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Jesus understands our need for confession. Sin is part of the human condition. We all misuse the gift of free will. We all suffer the guilt of hurting self and others. Acknowledging our sin is an important step to receiving forgiveness. But there is another important step Jesus identifies—forgiving those who have wronged us. We cannot expect forgiveness if we do not forgive others. Jesus reminds us in his prayer that the forgiven are also forgiving.
What do you need to confess? Who do you need to forgive? What steps will you take this week to make amends? If you need help with this process you can reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
Let’s renew our commitment to using the Lord’s Prayer in ways that bless us and others.
~Marc
