There are also corporate sins that groups or nations inflict on others, such as racism, sexism, economic oppression and control of power. When we pray, Jesus indicates we are to ask forgiveness for these corporate sins. He also implies we must change the way we operate to eliminate these sins in society. The conjunction as between the two parts of the phrase is bothersome for it expresses that God s forgiveness is dependent on our forgiveness. If we do not forgive others, we are excluded from God s forgiveness.
Forgiveness is hard work.
It involves giving up the need for revenge and seeking good for the one who has hurt us. This is not easy either individually or as a community but is required to have a right relationship with God and our neighbors. The Lord s Prayer is a prayer of hope. It contains petitions that we are not able to assure ourselves. It is based on faith in a God that is known to care for, intercede for and provide for people.