Praying Like JesusSample

Forgive Us Our Debts, as We Also Have Forgiven Our Debtors

As Christ followers, we’re called to keep in step with the Holy Spirit. One major way we do this is by quickly turning to God in prayer, confessing and turning away from the trap and temptations of sin, and continually releasing others from their offenses against us through true forgiveness.

Living this way produces the fruit of the Holy Spirit, like love, joy, peace, and faithfulness.

But this is easier said than done. It requires humility. Let’s face it. We really don’t like to admit it when we’re wrong. Believing we’re right feels really good, and being corrected feels awful and embarrassing. But the person who won’t confess, seek forgiveness, and change, or who refuses to forgive others, is in a self-made prison.

The good news is that we don’t have to be that person. Jesus provided a rescue plan. Jesus’ mission and ministry was—and is—about setting captives free from the bondage of sin. This comes through repentance and forgiveness.

Let’s remember our best example. As God in human form, Jesus lived completely blamelessly, without any wrongdoing, and became the ultimate model for grace and forgiveness when He took our punishment by suffering and dying on a cross.

In the final moments before His last breath, He called out to the Father among a mocking crowd with the most compassionate and undeserving words, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Imagine this moment when the Savior of the world offered forgiveness in the very moment of deepest offense.

Pause and Reflect

Take a moment to enter into a time of stillness before God. When you’re ready, begin to respond to what you’ve studied today. Have you made confession a regular part of your daily prayers? What can you do to make confession more of a habit? Ask God to show you any areas in your life where you need to change or extend forgiveness, just as you have been forgiven by Him.

Pray

Gracious Father, thank You. You are a good, good Father. Thank you for allowing me to come to You at any time, just as I am. I humble myself before You. Continue to transform my heart to look more like Christ Jesus. Shine Your light on areas of my life that need to change. Thank You for empowering me to forgive others’ sins and hurts against me. I praise You for Your ultimate act of forgiveness on the cross, and the grace You extend to me every moment of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.