Matthew 6:7-15 How to Pray: Our Father

Jesus said to his disciples:
"In praying, do not babble like the pagans,
who think that they will be heard because of their many words.
Do not be like them.
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
"This is how you are to pray:
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
"If you forgive men their transgressions,
your heavenly Father will forgive you.
But if you do not forgive men,
neither will your Father forgive your transgressions."

In this passage Jesus reminds us that our relationship with God is one that is close and intimate. In the Old Testament, God is often called lord, or King. He is in heaven far from his people. Jesus reminds us that God is also close. Our relationship should be like a father, daddy, to a child. In this prayer we see  a focus on forgiveness. Sins are forgiven as we forgive others, because when we allow our hate to over come us, it eats away at our soul. Forgiveness of debts is important because debt is what traps us. It creates slaves out of free people. As a society we should focus on eliminating debt so the poor can be free to live out their own lives.