and forgive us our debts

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” - Matthew 6:12

Debts, sins, or trespasses? Whatever you know this as, all of them are about being on the ‘wrong side of the line’ - those moments when we mess up, and find ourselves off track, found short, in the wrong. And make no mistake, we all do this!

Jesus encourages us to ask for forgiveness.

He knows that from time to time, perhaps as often as we pray this, perhaps every day, we’re all going to need to be forgiven. Sin is a debt we just can’t pay on our own, and only God’s forgiveness, through Jesus Christ, can lift us back to where we should be.

If you’re struggling to pray, this might just be a key for you. Is there anything in your life that might have pushed you into debt with God? Is there anything that’s taken you off the track of holiness? Is there anything at all you might need to ask Him to forgive you for?

It’s so good to be introspective, to do a self-audit, and to ask God to help you, whether it feels like that debt is tiny, or enormous. If you want to have a powerful prayer life, this might be the one discipline you need - He is so able to settle that debt you owe, to release you of that sin you confess, to correct that trespass you made. Just ask.