United Methodist Church of Livonia, NY

Sermon Starter - The Lord's Prayer Series #4

FORGIVE US WE PRAY

Matthew 6:9-12
Matthew 6:14-15
Luke 11:4
Luke 23:32-34

Sunday our focus is on, Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
As we look at the prayer  we recognize that Jesus is teaching us that in the prayer the early church prayed three times a day, we are meant to ask for forgiveness every time we pray.  We have a hard time understanding why we must ask for forgiveness more than once a day.  Maybe once a week, I mean we don't really do that much bad stuff, right?  I have not murdered anybody, I have not cheated on Sandy, I am generally a pretty good person.  Reminds me of something Donald Trump said when asked about his faith and if he had ever asked for forgiveness.
"I like to be good. I don't like to have to ask for forgiveness. And I am good. I don't do a lot of things that are bad. I try to do nothing that is bad."

I think that is how many of us feel.  I don't want to ask for forgiveness, so I try to be good.  And there are many people who can’t even think of what they would have to ask forgiveness from God.  I recall friends of mine who were compelled to go to confession feeling they had to make something up.

Watch/listen to the August 1, 2021 message: "Forgive Us We Pray"

Pastor Hoyt