Matthew 6:12 NKJV
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Jesus shows in this prayer that unforgiveness is a hindrance to getting prayer through to God. He includes in the sample prayer a request to be forgiven as we forgive. Some people rely on their feelings when it comes to forgiveness. Here we see it must be a choice, not a feeling. As an act of our will we forgive. One of the things we can think about to help us is in forgiving is this part of the prayer – “Forgive us.” We should understand how badly we need forgiveness. How could be have a relationship with God if he is holding something against us? That would be miserable for anyone who really loves God. So when we realize that our forgiving others is a prerequisite for God forgiving us it should help us forgive without checking our feelings. We forgive from our hearts with gratitude to God for His mercy for us. The prayer says “as we forgive.” We should think how we want to be forgiven and give the same kind of forgiveness to others. According to Mark 11:26, Jesus said, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” So we can see how this is an important principle of prayer. How do we answer the question, “Can I forgive?” Anytime we see a command, it automatically means we have the ability to do what is commanded. So let us go to God in prayer with clean hearts and expect to receive from Him.