CHAPTER XXIX.
THE FIFTH PETITION.
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
What is meant by this Petition?
We pray in this petition that our heavenly Father would not regard our sins, nor deny us our requests on account of them; for we are not worthy of anything for which we pray, and have not merited it; but that He would grant us all things through grace, although we daily commit much sin and deserve chastisement alone. We will, therefore, on our part both heartily forgive and also readily do good to those who may injure or offend us.
In this Petition we acknowledge our sinfulness, pray for forgiveness, and promise to forgive our fellow-men.
The word "And" connects this petition very closely with the preceding one. The daily forgiveness of our sins is as necessary for our souls as our daily bread is for our bodies.
AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES.
These words are at once a Confession of Sin, and a Prayer for Pardon.
1. A Confession. The praying of this petition presupposes a penitent state of heart. If we are not truly penitent, this petition is a mockery on our lips. We have need to confess our guilt, because