This week, in continuing our sermon series following The Lord’s Prayer, we examine the concept of forgiveness. It may be worth noting that throughout this series, we’ve chosen to read the Matthew text from a different translation each week. This brings us perspective as we read this prayer throughout the series.
I hope that it is also illustrative for us as we remember the many ways Christians from different denominations say this prayer! If you are familiar with other traditions, you may know that while we United Methodists seek forgiveness from our trespasses, others pray for forgiveness from debts and still others from sins. All of this leads us to ask what we are seeking forgiveness from, and what forgiveness might mean.
Matthew 6:9-12, 14-15 (The Message)
“The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.
Luke 23:32-34 (CEB)
They also led two other criminals to be executed with Jesus. When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right and the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” They drew lots as a way of dividing up his clothing.
Consider these questions:
- What have you noticed about the different translations as we’ve explored The Lord’s Prayer? What has been the same? Different? What do the similarities and differences teach you?
- Can you think of a time that you have had trouble forgiving someone? What made it difficult? Where you able to forgive in spite of the difficulty?
- Can you think of a time you needed forgiveness? Was it given? If it wasn’t given or if there was a delay, what did that feel like?