The Lord’s Prayer | Forgive Us
Read This
Jesus teaches us to forgive just as we’ve been forgiven.
Matthew 18:21-35
Remember This
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6
Remember This Too:
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
What does this mean?
We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look at our sins, or deny our prayer because of them. We are neither worthy of the things for which we pray, nor have we deserved them, but we ask that He would give them all to us by grace, for we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment. So we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.
Think About This
Jesus died on the cross to forgive our sins. He paid the ultimate price on our behalf. God not only forgives us, but he also teaches us that it’s best for us to forgive others like we’ve been forgiven. That can be a challenge, but in the end – it’s better for everyone!
Bed Time
Take a moment one evening to share with your kids how you’ve sinned against them. Give them an opportunity to hear you say you’re sorry and offer you forgiveness. If they have anything they want to share, respond with love and grace.
Morning Time
Before your kids go to school, ask them if there’s any one in their school that they need to try to forgive.
Meal Time
Read Psalm 51:1-10. Have your kids point out the different ways this passage describes forgiveness. If they have difficulty understanding them, help explain the metaphors like blot out, wash away, clause me, white as snow, etc…
Bed Time
Read Colossians 3:12-14. Ask your kids, “What makes forgiving other people so difficult?”
Additional study: Questions 276-280 in the Explanation of the Small Catechism