And Forgive Us: Prayers and Poetry

Matthew 6:12: "And forgive us our trespasses (or debts)" 

Forgive

Trespasses--sin--debts--often intertwine in the Bible verses and stories. But when Jesus gave these words to His disciples they still had no true concept of the price Jesus would pay to open the door to a forgiveness beyond any human ability.

In every aspect of our lives--from the inside out.

"He does not treat us according to our sins nor repay us according to our faults." Psalm 103:10

"As far as the east is from the west so far does He remove our sins." Psalm 103:12

In Ephesians Chapter 2 Paul reminds his readers that they were dead in their sins when they walked in the course of this world that desires power and personal ambition.

Many people throughout history and present times still reject this gift of life, like Saul who would not accept God's grace and looked only to human methods to attempt to gain power.

Yet the Lord offers His mercy again and again. Free will. Free choice.

We only need to accept His costly offering.

"Sin is the refusal of love, whether to give love or to receive it." Thomas Merton.

Your thoughts,

Reflection: Forgive: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

 

Reflection Questions

     1. What was the most difficult conflict you experienced in a ministry conflict with others?

 

     2. How did you and the others resolve the dispute?

     3. In what ways did the conflict impact the purpose of the work?

     4. What changed in your relationship with the Lord because of it?

Share: How did the experience change your relationship with the Lord when conflict came again? In what way?

Forgive: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 4: 3-4, “Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice.”

 

Forgive

 

Forgive us, Lord, when we let our emotions and limited understanding become a battleground on which we stand defiant—even with those we cherish and respect.

 

Help each of us to fix our hearts and purpose on You and that which You intend for each of us. Whether on our own specific call, or within a ministry together.

 

Show us how to stay focused on Your words and Your plans.

 

Your thoughts,