THE
LORD’s DAY 51
Q. What does the fifth petition mean?
Answer: ‘Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors’ means:
Because of Christ’s blood, do not hold against us, poor sinners that we are, any of the sins we do or the evil that constantly clings to us.1
Forgive us just as we are fully determined, as evidence of your grace in us, to forgive our neighbours.2
1Ps. 51: 1-7; 143: 2; Rom. 8: 1; 1 John 2: 1-2
2Matt. 6: 14-15; 18: 21-35
An opportunity to be quiet and be grateful for how God forgives us – unconditionally – fully pardoned, remembered no more – and for us to reflect also that we are to determine to forgive in like manner.
Let’s say ‘The Lord’s Prayer’
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come; thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.