Confession and Repentance - The Lord's Model

A lot of us want to begin praying with confession and repentance as a priority - probably thinking about 1 John 1:8-10.

However, if we look at the model of the Lord's prayer ("After this manner, therefore, pray ye") 'forgive us our debts' is further down the list of prayer points.

Notice that we are not to pray for ourselves selfishly but we are to pray for 'us' when it comes to confession and repentance. Also, notice that the Lord ties this in with how we forgive others.

Notice that the beginning of the prayer focuses more on the Lord's will before our own.

Food for thought

Matthew 6:9-13 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.