Prayer - Part 26

The fifth index sentence in "the Lord's prayer" è deals with confession and forgiveness.

"And forgive us our debts as we have forgiven our debtors"

Why did Jesus - when setting up the order of this model prayer, put forgiveness so far down the list?

• Worship
• Long for His Kingdom
• Desire for His will
• Seek His provision for your life needs

Will true confession follow?

Now, how can I/you withhold from others the same expected forgiveness?

I must have His forgiveness, for I have wounded the Father.

God CANNOT overlook sin. He is holy. Sin must be dealt with. It CANNOT be COVERED UP.

Matt 27:46 (NASB) And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"

Psal 22:1 (NASB) (For the choir director; upon Aijeleth Hashshahar. A Psalm of David.) My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. 2 O my God, I cry by day, but Thou dost not answer; And by night, but I have no rest. 3 Yet Thou art holy, O Thou who art enthroned upon the praises of Israel.

Haba 1:13 (NASB) [Thine] eyes are too pure to approve evil, And Thou canst not look on wickedness [with favor.] Why dost Thou look with favor On those who deal treacherously? Why art Thou silent when the wicked swallow up Those more righteous than they?

Hebr 10:4 (NASB) For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says, "Sacrifice and offering Thou hast not desired, But a body Thou hast prepared for Me; 6 In whole burnt offerings and [sacrifices] for sin Thou hast taken no pleasure. 7 "Then I said, 'Behold, I have come (In the roll of the book it is written of Me) To do Thy will, O God.'" 8 After saying above, "Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and [sacrifices] for sin Thou hast not desired, nor hast Thou taken pleasure [in them]" (which are offered according to the Law),

Hebr 9:22 (NASB) And according to the Law, [one may] almost [say], all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

John 1:29 (NASB) The next day he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

2Cor 5:21 (NASB) He made Him who knew no sin [to be] sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

If my sin was forgiven at Calvary,

Hebr 10:10 (NASB) By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Why do I need to confess it when I come to God in prayer?

Think about this in light of the character of God and jot down your thoughts….(we'll talk more next time)