What Does “Forgive Us Our Debts” Mean?
What does “forgive us our debts” mean? The Bible teaches that this phrase is a prayer of confession, where we acknowledge our sin, seek God’s forgiveness, and remember the grace we have received through Christ (Matthew 6:12).
This article is part of our Prayer Series: What the Bible Really Says About Prayer, where we are learning to grow in both understanding and practice.
This question builds directly on What Does “Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread” Mean?, moving us from daily dependence into daily confession and restoration.
As Jesus teaches us to pray for our needs, He immediately leads us to something deeper: our need for forgiveness.
This reveals something important about the Christian life.
The Saying
“Once you’re forgiven, you don’t need to ask again.”
The Problem
Some people avoid confession because they believe forgiveness only happens once.
Others become weighed down with guilt, feeling like they must constantly earn God’s forgiveness.
Both misunderstand what Jesus is teaching.
This prayer is not about earning forgiveness—it is about living in it daily.
What the Bible Actually Says
Matthew 6:12 (ESV)
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
1 John 1:9 (ESV)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Psalm 32:5 (ESV)
“I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.”
God’s forgiveness is secure in Christ—but confession keeps our relationship with Him open and honest.
The Truth About “Forgive Us Our Debts”
This phrase reminds us that we still need God’s grace every day.
“Debts” refers to our sins—what we owe because of our disobedience to God.
When we pray this, we are:
- Admitting our need for forgiveness
- Turning away from sin
- Receiving God’s grace again and again
This is not about losing and regaining salvation—it is about maintaining close fellowship with God.
Just as a child remains part of a family but still needs to say “I’m sorry,” we come to our Father in the same way.
Confession does not push God away—it draws us closer to Him.
And every time we come, we are reminded:
His grace is greater than our sin.
Living It Out
- Make confession a regular part of your prayer life
- Be honest about your sin—God already sees it
- Receive God’s forgiveness with gratitude, not guilt
- Rest in the finished work of Christ
Prayer is not just about asking for what you need—it is about staying close to the One who has already forgiven you.
And that closeness is restored every time you come honestly before Him.
A Short Prayer
Father, thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness. Help me to be honest about my sin and quick to bring it before You. Thank You that through Jesus Christ, I am forgiven and cleansed. Keep my heart close to You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Continue Learning
This article is part of the Daily Diamonds series: Does God Hear Me? What the Bible Really Says About Prayer. Each article builds on the last to help you grow in a clear, biblical understanding of prayer.