Lord, teach us to pray. Luke 11:1
Our Father in heaven … 1. A pattern not a script 2. Focus on relationship
Forgive us our sins … 1. Why do we need forgiveness? 2. What are we actually asking for? 3. What has this to do with others? 4. How to pray?
1. Why do we need daily forgiveness? “Repent and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Acts 2:38 “For Christ died for sins once and for all … to bring you to God.” 1 Peter 3:18 “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no-one can snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:28
The Church is the bride of Christ
Walking in the Light This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practise the truth. (1 John 1:5, 6)
Living in Relationship
Healing and Restoration ‘… God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ (1 John 1:9)
‘A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean.’ ( John 13:10)
2. What are we asking for? “…forgive us our debts…” Matthew 6:12 “… forgive us our sins …” Luke 11:4
Sin is rebellion against God Missing the mark Lawbreaking
3. Why are forgiveness and forgiving linked? “…forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors…” Matthew 6:12 “…forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors…” Matthew 6:12
4. How should we pray? ‘Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.’ Psalm 139:23, 24