Matthew 6:5-15, The Lord's Prayer

5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Comments

The Aramaic for “sin” literally is “money debt,” while “temptation” means “testing.” In this passage, Jesus explains that how we forgive others reflects how we understand God’s forgiveness towards us.

Gentile prayer depended on content and correct delivery, not upon the heart of the person praying. Jesus focuses upon the honesty with and dependence upon the Father.

Those who confess Christ cannot say that something is “unforgivable”. There is no limit to the forgiveness of the cross. Is there someone you still need to forgive?

Prayer

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.

The Message version of The Lord’s Prayer