Matthew 6:9-13, Verse 12

Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.

As we continue this extended time of praying the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples, read Matthew 6:9-13 , or pray it from memory. Then focus in on this part of the prayer:

“…and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.”

The word “sins” in this portion of Jesus’ prayer is sometimes translated “trespasses” or “debts.” A Hebrew equivalent, “pasha,” means “transgressions.” All of these words carry the idea that something has been taken that did not belong to the taker.

When we act in ways that are contrary to God’s good and perfect shalom way, we take authority from God in an attempt to govern our own lives and the world around us. We end up owing God for that which we have taken, and it is a debt too great to pay on our own.

Meditate for a moment or two on the mercy and character of God as described by King David in Psalm 103:1-12.

Focus on this phrase from the Psalm and then talk to God about the mercy you have been given: “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” – Psalm 103:12

Now pray these words from Jesus’ prayer again: “…and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.”

The Greek word for “forgive” means literally to “send away.” Just as God has sent our transgressions away as far as the east is from the west, we, as image-bearers of God, are to emulate God by “sending away” the offenses committed against us by other people.

Who in your past has taken something from you through an act of aggression, greed or violence? As you pray the words of Jesus’ prayer again, picture yourself sending the offense away. Watch in your imagination as the offense disappears over the horizon.

Forgiveness is not a one and done choice. It can take many years or even a lifetime to send some offenses away, but just as God has sent away your offenses, God calls you to do the same for other people. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you will enter into relationship with the offender again – sometimes that’s just not wise. But it does mean that the debt owed you by that person becomes smaller and smaller over time as you choose to send it away.

Get quiet now and listen to Jesus for a moment.

What do you think Jesus wants you to take away from this time of meditation?

What will you do about that?

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