ask that our debts be forgiven
Cyprian, On the Lord’s Prayer, sections 22-24
St. Cyprian takes seriously the relation between asking pardon and forgiving others in the Lord’s Prayer. The petition joins our need for mercy to a responsibility toward those who have wronged us. It is a prayer that searches our conduct as we speak it. The person asking forgiveness cannot treat enmity as irrelevant. Cyprian, On the Lord’s Prayer, sections 22-24
Cyprian also recalls Christ’s instruction about reconciliation before offering a gift. The desire to approach God belongs with a willingness to relinquish hostility and seek peace. The connection is demanding, but it does not mean that our forgiving purchases divine mercy or makes the original wrong harmless. Cyprian, On the Lord’s Prayer, sections 22-24 Matthew 5:23–24
Matthew follows the Lord’s Prayer with Christ’s words about forgiving trespasses. Those words should remain beside the petition, rather than being omitted because they challenge us. Christ requires a real response from the one praying. Asking the Father’s forgiveness belongs with the mercy commanded toward the neighbor. Matthew 6:12-15
The response may include relinquishing a wish for revenge and becoming willing to seek truthful reconciliation where that is possible. Appropriate protection, repentance and accountability remain relevant when harm has occurred. This devotional supplies no requirement to hide abuse or restore every relationship to its former form. Forgiveness must not become a word used to excuse further injury. Matthew 6:12-15
Attend to the petition the next time you pray it. Bring your own need for pardon before the Father, together with the enmity you are being asked to relinquish. Cyprian directs us to the command already given by Christ. The prayer invites a response of mercy in the life of the person who asks to receive mercy. Cyprian, On the Lord’s Prayer, sections 22-24
For prayer, use the Lord’s Prayer given by Christ in Matthew 6:9–13.
Sources and edition notes
- Cyprian, On the Lord’s Prayer. Source. Translated by Robert Ernest Wallis. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 5. Edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1886.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/050704.htm.
Scripture references link to these comparison editions: NKJV. Biblical passages are paraphrased. Biblical language within a patristic quotation follows the identified historical English translation.