Monday, March 21, 2016

Monday of Holy Week, March 21, 2016

Monday, March 21, 2016              Forgive Us Our Trespasses                     



Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Luke 23:34

Jesus prayed for all those blind to their actions Jesus’ prayer reflects His teaching and is repeated by Stephen. The casting of lots involves change, yet God foresaw the outcome. [1]

Why do we include a pray for forgiveness of sins in these petitions to our heavenly Father? We are not worthy of the things for which we pray and have not deserved them. We therefore need God’s forgiveness so that we may pray to Him confidently and in good conscience. “Where the heart is not in a right relationship with God…it will not dare to pray… A confident and joyful heart can spring from nothing else than the certain knowledge of the forgiveness of sin.” (Large Catechism III 92)[2]

Almighty God, whose dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other that the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen[3]



[1] The Lutheran Study Bible, © 2009 Concordia Publishing House St. Louis, MO Pp.1769
[2] Luther’s Small Catechism,5th Petition of  the Lord’s Prayer © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
[3] Collect for Monday of Holy Week, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

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