Our Father … give us this day … and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Matthew 6:9-12

When Jesus taught the crowd to pray the Lord’s Prayer, He used plural pronouns: our, us, and we. Why didn’t He teach, “My Father, who art in heaven, give me this day my daily bread, and forgive me my debts”?

Jesus emphasized that our neighbors, too, strive to follow our Father more closely. Most are burdened with needs. Forgiveness is a struggle for many. All are tempted.

I am never alone in asking for daily blessings. As we pray together, we affirm that God’s will is best for all of us. We remind each other to forgive and be forgiven. When we humbly stand together against temptation and resist evil, we grow closer to Him.

Lisa Heule
Littleton, CO

Father, thank You for blessing, forgiving, leading, and delivering all of Your children! Amen.

Reflect: Pray the Lord’s Prayer aloud, keeping in mind another person who needs our Father’s daily bread.

Read: Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:1-4