For the fourth week of our series on the Lord’s Prayer, we’ll be digging into the phrase “forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” All the words that we’ll be using for worship are below or you can download a copy to print here.

You’ll also find some writing prompts as you explore ways to rewrite the Lord’s Prayer in your own words. We are digging into the meaning of the prayer so that you can make the prayer fresh and more meaningful for you.

PRELUDE                           He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands              

CALL TO WORSHIP – from Psalm 51

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
   and put a new and right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
   and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
   and sustain in me a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
   and sinners will return to you.
Deliver me from bloodshed, O God,
   O God of my salvation,
   and my tongue will sing aloud of your deliverance.
O Lord, open my lips,
   and my mouth will declare your praise.
For you have no delight in sacrifice;
   if I were to give a burnt-offering, you would not be pleased.
The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit;
   a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

*HYMN #551     All Creatures of Our God and King

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Most High and holy God, you are a god of steadfast love and mercy. Even though you may find fault with us, your desire is to forgive. Sometimes we’re too hard on ourselves and wallow in guilt and shame even when you long to comfort us. Other times we avoid looking to closely at our faults even though you’re challenging us to grow. Bless us with your Holy Spirit and free us from both extremes. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

ANTHEM            Be Still and Know

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – from Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 6:14-15; 5:7

Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

HYMN #610        Lord, I Lift Your Name On High

SCRIPTURE                        Matthew 18:21-35

Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.

‘For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.” And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow-slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, “Pay what you owe.” 

Then his fellow-slave fell down and pleaded with him, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you.” But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow-slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, “You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow-slave, as I had mercy on you?” And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he should pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.’

SERMON             Lord, Teach Us to Pray (Part 4)  

*HYMN #693                    Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION & THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen.

OFFERTORY                      A Thousand Thank Yous

*BENEDICTION

*SENDING SONG #950   Go Now In Peace

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name…

1.) Our Father in heaven, you created everything out of love to share with your children, let other see your love in us

2.) God of steadfast love, your provide for us and protect us, so let no one profane your name because of my life

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done…

1.) Change our minds so that we can find our way out of the darkness and into the light of love

2.) Let Jesus rule as king over the earth so that everyone knows your will

Give us this day our daily bread…

1.) Teach what I need for today so that I can share the rest with others

2.) Help me not to worry about tomorrow so that I can be generous today

Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors…

1.) Let my mercy triumph over my judgments so that I can remain in your mercy

2.) You have forgiven us for so much. Help me to forgive others in the same way.