JUNE 12
MATTHEW 6:12_And forgive us…
If Jesus taught no more than the first three words of this verse, He would have taught a vital part of prayer.
The Scribes and Pharisees saw life as a set of laws. They had the laws down pat, snug in their hip pockets (if they had hip pockets). They knew the rules, and kept them, why would they need forgiveness? That is, if all that mattered was rule keeping.
Jesus taught life as more about loving God and each other. He taught to give more than receive. This kind of life causes me to see my weaknesses and failures. That leads me to my knees to ask God’s forgiveness. Psalm 51 (KJV), “1 Have mercy upon me [King David], O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.”
King David asks forgiveness for his sin. He also acknowledges something very important—his sin was primarily against God.
Any and all sins are against God.
PRAYER
Forgiving God, I know when I have wronged Your people I have wronged You. Forgive me and change me! In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.
Christ desires to forgive—He wants me to ask Him!
The Works of Her Hands 