Living by the Lord’s Prayer

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Living by the Lord’s Prayer

by Lydia E. Harris

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12 KJV).

I memorized The Lord’s Prayer from the Bible as a child and recited it during church services. I even sang it as a solo at a friend’s celebration. Although I knew it by heart, applying it was another matter.

While my husband and I attended a marriage conference, he did something that upset me. I slipped into bed that night, built an invisible wall between us, and hugged my side of the bed. Our usual friendly chit-chat was replaced with icy silence. Restless and unable to sleep, I prayed, “God, what does my husband need from me?”

“Unconditional love,” came the quick prompting from the Holy Spirit.

“No! He doesn’t deserve it,” I snapped and fumed in silence.

Although I knew the Bible taught I should forgive my husband, I wasn’t ready to do so. I’d rather stay angry awhile longer.

Today’s verse from Matthew is part of Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), a passage written as a prayer model for us. It includes not only praise and intercession but also confession and forgiveness: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” I like having my sins forgiven, but if my husband or someone else offends me, I am not as quick to forgive. But when I recall God’s forgiveness of my sins, my heart softens.

Later that night, I finally obeyed God’s prompting. I rolled over, gently tapped my husband, and said, “Honey, my attitude was wrong. Will you forgive me?”

“Yes, dear, I’m sorry, too. Will you forgive me?”

The wall crumbled, we hugged and slept peacefully, reminding me once again of the saying, “A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.”

~Lord God, thank you for Your forgiveness. When we confess our sins, You are faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us. Help me forgive others the way You have forgiven me. Amen.

Question: Thank God for His forgiveness. Is there someone you need to forgive?