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A Prayer for Doing the Hard and Heart Work of Forgiveness

     Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Col. 3:13 
 ”…Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7:47-48
     Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matt. 18:21-22
     Gracious Lord Jesus, every time we pray the “Lord’s Prayer,” we’re invited (called) to acknowledge the daily-ness of forgiveness. For to simply show in the world of our relationships is to experience the need we have to be forgiven and the need we have to forgive others Usually that’s not a big issue with me. Maybe it’s because I’m usually pretty easy going and would rather wave off an offense than deal with the chaos and mess. But you’ve been forcing the issue over the past few weeks
    At times my “easy going” nature thinly veils the serial killer that lives within. Even as I write and offer this prayer, I’m aware of a few relationships that the gospel is targeting today. I’ve created a demilitarized zone—a buffer of peace, but I haven’t forgiven from my heart.
     Lord Jesus, as I think about how much you love me, I’m convicted about how much I’ve enjoyed holding a few people emotionally hostage by my self-righteous smuggery; and to be honest, I’ve felt justified in doing so. That’s a confession of sin. Help me, Lord, and others like me. Though I’m convicted, I can’t say it will be easy to let go of the pain; it’s served me well, in a twisted sort of way. Have mercy on me, Lord Jesus, have mercy on me.
     I praise you for already forgiving all of my sins—past, present, and future; every sin of word, thought, and deed, Lord Jesus. I praise you for not merely waving off my sins but wading into the mess and paying the supreme price of your life and death.
     As I ponder the riches of your grace, I realize that my unforgiveness is the greatest non sequitur of all. You have forgiven me much, therefore, I should gladly love much. Jesus, I purpose to reengage the forgiving process once again. I repent of my incomplete repentance, but I do not promise you anything. I’m not that vain or foolish. You must help me, Jesus, and I know you will. I cannot and I will not do this on my own. My hope and confidence are in you, Lord. So very Amen I pray, in your holy and loving name.

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