Q105. What do we pray for in the fifth request?
In the fifth request—"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors"—we pray that God, for Christ’s sake, would freely forgive all our sins. We are encouraged to ask this because by his grace we are able to forgive others from the heart.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Psalm 51:1–2, 7, 9
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. … Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. … Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.”
Daniel 9:17–19
“Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake. O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.”
Luke 11:4
“And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.”
Matthew 18:35
“So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What are we praying for when we say "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors"?
- 2
Why does Jesus connect God forgiving us with us forgiving others?
- 3
Is there someone you are finding it hard to forgive right now?
Illustration
When someone bumps into you at recess and says "sorry," and you say "that’s okay" and keep playing, that is forgiveness in a small way. But sometimes forgiving is much harder, like when someone hurts your feelings on purpose. This prayer asks God to forgive the enormous debt of our sin, and it reminds us that forgiven people forgive others.
Application
Because God freely forgives all your sins for Christ’s sake, he gives you the ability to forgive others. If there is someone you are angry with or holding a grudge against, ask God to soften your heart toward them. You might pray: "God, you forgave me when I did not deserve it. Help me forgive this person too."