“Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us.”

How many times have we said this part of the prayer? I know I have said it countless times but until now I have not understood what I was saying.

As I was researching this passage I realized that when we say this part of the Lord’s prayer we are in danger of cursing ourselves. For when we ask forgiveness from God for our sins we are ensuring that we will do the same for others who have sinned against us.

In a website on prayer it says, “Those that come to God for the forgiveness of their sins against him, must make conscience of forgiving those who have offended them, else they curse themselves when they say the Lord’s prayer.”

So it is not just about asking God to forgive our sins but it is just as equally about us forgiving others. It has been proposed that if we do not forgive others we risk our eternal salvation.

That is a pretty heavy thought process for me to embark upon but if this is the way that Jesus said for me to pray I don’t think I have a choice in this matter.

It is becoming more apparent to me that praying should be very little about me and so much more about God.

If you would like to read more about this please go to the link below:
http://www.lords-prayer-words.com/commentary/forgive_us_our_trespasses.html