Matthew Poole Commentary - Matthew 6:12 - 6:12

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Matthew Poole Commentary - Matthew 6:12 - 6:12


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Our Saviour here doth not teach us the order in which we should pray for good things for ourselves, only in three petitions comprehends whatsoever we should ask of God. For doubtless we are obliged, according to Mat_6:32, first to seek the kingdom of God, and the righteousness thereof. That by our debts are here meant our sins is plain from Luk_11:4, as also from Mat_6:14 of this chapter, where they are called trespasses. The sense is, then, Discharge us from that obligation to death which our sins have laid us under; give us a pardon for our sins past and present; for who liveth, and sinneth not against thee?



As we forgive our debtors; not as perfectly, but in like manner as we, according to the imperfect state of our natures, forgive those who have done us injury, not seeking any revenge upon them, nor bearing them any malice: so as indeed those who, retaining their malice in their hearts, put up this prayer unto God, do in effect pray down Divine vengeance upon their souls: well therefore doth the apostle command, that we should lift up pure hands unto God, without wrath or doubting, 1Ti_2:8. So that not only faith but charity also, is necessary to our praying acceptably.