Prayer Tip--Seventy Times Seven

May 18, 2025

Matthew 18:21-22 (CEB), Luke 23:34a (CEB) and Colossians 3:12-13 (NRSV)

Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Should I forgive as many as seven times?” Jesus said, “Not just seven times, but rather as many as seventy-seven times.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Daily Reflection & Prayer

Today’s Scripture points to a quiet, powerful truth—so profound that if we were to embrace it fully, our lives would be utterly transformed. Paul instructs us to forgive one another, “just as the Lord has forgiven you.”

How has the Lord forgiven us?

Jesus modeled this forgiveness on the cross in the book of Luke when he said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.” In the midst of his suffering, Jesus looked down at his executioners—and forgave them.

Like that.

That is what it might look like to forgive others as the Lord has forgiven us.

But that’s not the end of the answer. In Matthew 18, Jesus tells Peter (and us) to forgive those who sin against us “not just seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

We are challenged to forgive with the same astounding mercy and profound patience we have received from God. That gives me pause to consider how I often forgive. I pray the weight of this invitation gives you pause for reflection as well.

Let’s pray this together:

Prayer

God of infinite mercy and grace,

Make me more like your Son, Jesus.

Grant me the grace to extend mercy when I would seek revenge,

To forgive when I would rather hold a grudge,

And to release those who sin against me as freely and fully as You do.

Grant me the patience to forgive as often as I am offended,

To extend forgiveness not just seven, but seventy-seven times,

And—by Your grace alone—

To even forgive my repeat offenders seventy times seven.

Help me to desire this kind of forgiveness.

I ask this in Your powerful name:

Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.

Amen.

GPS Insights

David Andersen

This week's prayer tip is by David Andersen, who serves as the Leadership Development and Mentoring Ministry Program Director for all Resurrection locations. He is a life-long Kansas City native. He’s been married over 30 years and has two adult sons. He loves composing music, learning new things, writing, running, and creating spaces where people can encounter God.

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Prayer Tip--Seventy Times Seven

Daily Scripture

Matthew 18:21-22 (CEB), Luke 23:34a (CEB) and Colossians 3:12-13 (NRSV)

Daily Reflection & Prayer

Prayer

GPS Insights

David Andersen

© 2024 Resurrection: A United Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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