Today we will continue the devotional series that focuses on the prayer Jesus taught us. May it be a blessing to you as your heart draws near to Him in prayer in the days and months ahead.
In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV)
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And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Forgiveness frees the heart to pray.
Forgiveness releases judgment and seeks mercy, brings down walls and builds bridges, breaks bondages and restores freedom. Forgiveness unlocks the chains of resentment and bitterness that are enemies to prayer.
When God forgave you, He removed every sin that kept you from His presence.
Today you can come to Him with the confidence and assurance of His acceptance and love, not because you have earned it, but because He has shown you mercy and been gracious to you. It is His mercy and grace that He wants you to extend to others. If those who have wronged you ever come to mind, pray for them. Ask God to bless them, pray for their good, and desire God’s highest and best for them.
Today you have the awesome privilege of extending forgiveness to others because forgiveness has been extended to you… of showing mercy to others because mercy has been shown to you…of expressing God’s heart to others because He has expressed His heart to you.
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 NLT
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You can find the entire series for “The Prayer Jesus Taught Us” here:
Part 1 - “Our Father…”
Part 2 - “…Which art in heaven…”
Part 3 - “…Hallowed be Thy name.”
Part 4 - “Thy kingdom come.”
Part 5 - “…Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”
Part 6 - “Give us this day our daily bread.”
Part 7 - “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
Part 8 - “And do not lead us into temptation…”
Part 9 - ”…But deliver us from evil…”
Part 10 - ”…For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory….”
Part 11 - “…Forever”
Part 12 - ”Amen”