The Lord’s Prayer is more than simply an example of how to speak to God, and it is more than an assembled collection of sentiments. Each phrase of this prayer builds on the previous to construct a cohesive model of a life lived in communion with God within his kingdom. In this way, the prayer is both an expression offered to God and a reflection of our life with him.
For example, the prayer begins with a proper, although paradoxical, vision of God. If we do not see him as both our heavenly Father and the one who is holy other (Matthew 6:9), then we will not surrender ourselves to his will (Matthew 6:10). Our un-surrendered life easily falls victim to the fears of the world, and we will strive to secure our own daily bread and much more (Matthew 6:11). However, as we see God clearly and trust him, we learn to walk in daily dependance upon his love and provision.
Likewise, a hurried, fearful, selfish life fueled by a false vision of God will inevitably lead to sin—and the need for forgiveness. As we experience this from our heavenly Father, the proper response should be to extend this same mercy to other frail people who have harmed us. “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).
Jesus knows that our souls need forgiveness as surely as our bodies need bread, but receiving forgiveness is not enough. A healthy soul must also give it. The prayer is not only a request for God’s mercy toward us, but a commitment to show the same mercy to others. Holding to our anger and resentment, clinging to our identity as a victim, and refusing to release others from their debts, will leave us incapable of receiving God’s love—or anyone else’s. Withholding forgiveness is as much a sin as whatever wrong was done to us in the first place.
The prayer’s emphasis on forgiving others inverts what much of contemporary Christian culture emphasizes. Pop religion will argue that a person who is unforgiven by God is not fit for life in his kingdom, and therefore speaks of the need for personal repentance. Jesus, however, repeatedly makes clear that the unforgiving person will also not enter his kingdom. This is why he puts so much emphasis on forgiving others in his sermons, signs, and parables.
In this way, the Lord’s Prayer makes clear that sin is not merely an external opponent to be overcome, nor is sin limited to infractions committed against us by others. Sin is an internal reality we must acknowledge about ourselves. Vaclav Havel, former president of the Czech Republic, said, “The line between good and evil does not run between ‘them’ and ‘us,’ but through each person.”
As we recite these words from the Lord’s Prayer, it is appropriate to pause for self-reflection and invite the Spirit of God to reveal how we have wronged God and others by what we have done, and by what we have left undone, and then ask God not only for mercy for our evil, but for the strength to extend that mercy to others.
Daily Scripture
Matthew 6:9–15
Colossians 3:12–14
Weekly Prayer
From Martin Luther (1483–1546)
O God, graciously comfort and tend all who are imprisoned, hungry, thirsty, naked and miserable;
also all widows, orphans, sick and sorrowing.
In brief, give us our daily bread, so that Christ may abide in us and we in him forever, and with him we may worthily bear the name of ‘Christian.’
Amen
