Praying “Forgive Us Our Trespasses”

REFLECTION ON PRAYING “FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES”

Is Jesus implying that forgiveness is conditional, that the Father will only forgive as long as we forgive others first? Or does Jesus mean, in a like manner: that the Father will forgive us in the same manner, or with the same motive, with which we forgive others? Perhaps Jesus is teaching us that as we go about living and forgiving, we will also experience and know the forgiveness of the Father; that forgiveness is (or ought to be) a normal part of living a life of love, and the more we practice forgiveness the more we will experience it. (Ken Bell)

FOR REFLECTION IN PRAYER THIS WEEK

Allow the Holy Spirit to bring to mind any sins foe which you need to ask God’s forgiveness. Next, invite the Spirit to show you if there are any sins you keep asking forgiveness for that God has already forgotten. Consider sharing these with a trusted friend in order to hear a human voice speak God’s assurance of pardon. Finally, who might you need to forgive? If you don’t yet feel ready to forgive those the Holy Spirit brings to mind, try simply telling God their names — and if you can, ask God to bless them.