Forgiving

Jesus said, "When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

"Pray then in this way:

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:7-15 

The snow was coming down thickly in Fairbanks. September isn't even over and winter is upon us. Now the roads are ice covered and no one seems ready completely for this radical change of weather. It's here and we have to deal with what's in front of us. The people in Fairbanks see happy and welcoming of snow. Learning to forgive the challenges ahead of us, forgiving ourselves and others, is how we need to face every new day.

Jesus taught his disciples to pray, simply and honestly, without embellishment and drama. The loving Creator knows our every need, we simply need to acknowledge our dependence and humanity before God. As we pray we open our hearts to God, we become soft and amilable, we become ready for the changes of body, heart and mind.

Today, may I be ready to pray at every moment. May we know our need and offer all that we have to God. May we forgive ourselves and others, making room for the great and miraculous changes of body, heart and mind.