Day 4: Forgiveness (Prayer Guide)
Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are.
Set the world right; Do what’s best—as above, so below.
Matthew 6:9-13, MSG
Day 4: Forgiveness
READ.
Read the following verses. As you read, pause and pray over anything that sticks out to you. Do not rush. In fact, consider starting this time in silence for :30-:60 and ask God to be near as you pray.
Matthew 6:12
Forgive us the wrongs we have done as we ourselves release forgiveness to those who have wronged us.
What thoughts come to mind?
What words or ideas did the Holy Spirit draw your attention to?
PRAY.
Read this prayer, and as you read, meditate on any lines that stick out to you. Pray them again in your own words.
Today I confess my deep resentment towards those who have not shown compassion towards me, for the moment I was in need, and my neighbor passed over me.
Palms sweaty, ready set go my pulse rings in my ears, louder than the voice of my Beloved.
Show your face, avenge my pain, bring light into the darkness.
As I sit with my anger, I allow the Lord to soften me.
And then I hear your jealous love just hold me, without words, no sharing or “there there,”
Your love covers me like a blanket, and I confess where all is not well. I remember you are here. You see, you grieve, you vindicate me. And bless me with a love so tight I can loosen my grip on my own pain that only seems to hold me back.
In your justice I will trust;
Lord teach me to forgive.
In your justice I will wait,
in your Kingdom,
where love,
Indeed,
Lives.
“You have not allowed me to languish alone, but you have lighted the path toward beloved community with the loving witness of the ancestors, elders, and sojourners who have come before me and who stand with me today.” Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes