A Prayer about the Process of Forgiving
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 NIV)
Gracious Jesus, every time I pray the Lord’s Prayer, I’m confronted with the dailiness of the call to forgiveness. Usually that’s not a big deal. Maybe it’s because I’m conflict avoidant 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. There’s brokenness all around me and in me.
My conflict avoidance is a thin veil for the serial killer that lives within. Even as I write and pray this prayer, two names and faces come before me that I know I haven’t forgiven. I’ve so enjoyed holding them hostage emotionally by my critical spirit and self-righteous smugness. Help me, Jesus, and others like me. Though I’m convicted, I can’t say that I relish the idea of letting go of my pain. Have mercy on me, Jesus. I praise you for already forgiving all of my sins— past, present, and future; every sin of word, thought, and deed.
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 unforgiveness is the greatest non sequitur of all. I purpose to begin forgiving these two people and anyone else you bring to mind. I repent, but I do not promise anything. You must help me, Jesus. I cannot and I will not do this on my own. I pray in your holy and loving name.
Amen.