August 2026 – Elder’s Message

The Lord’s Prayer

Luke 11: 1-4
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place.  When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples”.  He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.  Give us each day our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us’“….or do we?

Do we recognize these sins of pride, judging others instead of ourselves first, thinking we are right and they are wrong?   Do we get upset when we have lost an argument with someone?  There are many examples of personal sins like these that often result in one not recognizing how hurtful it is on the afflicted party.  They may be minimal sins in some people’s minds, but they lead to disunity, avoiding someone at church, watching online instead of in person, or even leaving the church.  We all should be building each other up with a loving attitude like Jesus. 

Jesus wants unity among all his followers.  He wants us all to love and forgive each other as he loves and forgives us.  Forgiveness is always healthy for one’s soul.  Like the Lord’s prayer says, “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.”  We say this prayer every Sunday. Let’s keep it close to our hearts and minds and say it daily.