Scripture: Matthew 6:11-13 (NIV) "Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."

Introduction: Good morning, dear brothers and sisters. Today, we turn our hearts to the words of Jesus found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6, verses 11 through 13. These verses are part of the Lord's Prayer, a prayer that Jesus taught His disciples. In these few lines, we find profound truths about God's provision, forgiveness, and guidance. Let us explore these powerful requests and how they can transform our lives.

1. Give Us Today Our Daily Bread: The first request in this passage is for our daily bread. This is a plea for God to provide for our basic needs. It is a humble acknowledgment that we are dependent on God for everything we require to sustain us each day.

• Application: In our daily lives, it is easy to take for granted the provisions we receive. This prayer reminds us to trust in God's provision and to recognize His hand in all that we have. Let us cultivate a heart of gratitude and reliance on God, seeking His provision not only for physical sustenance but for our spiritual nourishment as well.

2. Forgive Us Our Debts, As We Also Have Forgiven Our Debtors: Next, Jesus teaches us to ask for forgiveness for our debts, which can be understood as our sins. This request is coupled with a commitment to forgive those who have wronged us. Forgiveness is at the heart of our relationship with God and with each other.

• Application: Forgiveness is a powerful act of grace. It frees us from the burden of guilt and resentment. As we seek God's forgiveness, let us also extend that same grace to others. Holding onto grudges hinders our spiritual growth and relationships. Let us forgive as we have been forgiven, embodying the love and mercy of Christ.

3. Lead Us Not Into Temptation, But Deliver Us From the Evil One: Finally, we ask for God's guidance and protection. This plea acknowledges the reality of spiritual warfare and our need for God's strength to resist temptation and overcome the schemes of the evil one.

• Application: Every day, we face temptations and challenges that can lead us away from God's path. This part of the prayer is a call to vigilance and reliance on God's power. Let us seek His guidance in our decisions, asking for His help to stay true to His will and to resist the lure of sin.

Conclusion: In these three requests, we see a comprehensive picture of our dependence on God. We rely on Him for our daily needs, for forgiveness, and for protection and guidance. The Lord's Prayer is not just a set of words to recite; it is a framework for a life of faith and trust in God.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank You for teaching us how to pray through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to trust in Your provision, to seek and extend forgiveness, and to rely on Your guidance and protection. May we live each day in dependence on Your grace and mercy. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.