Every Sunday at either service, we are called to come together to pray the Lord’s Prayer in unison. Depending on your denomination, you might have a debt or a trespass in there but for the most part – this meaningful prayer has the overall same meaning. But let me ask you a question – when was the last time you really thought about what the Lord’s Prayer really means? For me personally I think oftentimes I say it just because it’s what we are supposed to do, but I don’t take the time to really think about the meaning behind the prayer. Well now is the time for a quick little overview.

Jesus tells us directly how we should pray. Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name – reminds us that God is not only majestic and holy, but also personal and loving. We are to honor God’s holy name. Your kingdom come – is a reference to God’s spiritual reign. Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven – we aren’t leaving our lives up to fate, we are praying for God’s perfect purpose to be accomplished in this world, as well as in Heaven. Give us today our daily bread – this reminds us that God is our sustainer and provider. We must trust God daily to provide us what we need. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors – God forgives us a thousand times a day (maybe more) and we are supposed to forgive others as well, every single day, all of the time. (Yes I know, not an easy task sometimes.) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one – All of us struggle with temptation. But God promises that He won’t allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear.

Jesus then reminds us again how important it is to forgive others. He says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” We could spend an entire month or more focusing on forgiveness and why it is so important, but perhaps we need to make a more conscious effort to make sure we are following exactly what Jesus told us to do. Is there anyone you are still holding a grudge against? Let’s stop and take some time right now to release that into the Father’s care and forgive them, so that we too are forgiven.

Prayer

Our Father in Heaven, draw us closer to You. We pray for enlightenment and understanding as we pray the Lord’s Prayer together in church and in our own prayer lives as well. Help us to work on forgiving anyone we need to forgive and may Your will be done. Amen.