Sola Devotions

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:31–32

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From the Word: Ephesians 4:31–32

From the Confessions: The Small Catechism

The Fifth Petition

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

What does this mean?

We pray in this petition that our heavenly Father would not hold our sins against us and deny our prayers because of them. We know we have not earned, nor do we deserve, those things for which we pray. But we ask that he would grant us all things through grace, even though we sin every day and deserve nothing but punishment. And so we, too, will heartily forgive, and gladly do good to those who sin against us.

Pulling It Together: It is our Christian duty to absolve one another (Matt 6:14–15; John 20:23; James 5:16) as Christ has forgiven us. Before we come to his table, we must graciously extend his peace to all. We dare not come to the blessed Communion to receive his grace for ourselves alone—nor can we. So, we must be as sure as we are able to make the way to grace free for others, those whom we might stand in the way of at the holy meal. They must not be thinking of us when they kneel. Therefore, all bitterness and anger must be removed from the chancel rail, so that Christ is everyone’s focus instead of some person on the other side of the table. This end is best served by humbly forgiving one another, just as God in Christ tenderly and graciously forgives us all.

Prayer: Give me, O Lord, your kind heart, so that I may be led by you to forgive—and to be forgiven. Amen.

The Adventures of Martin Luther is a simple musical drama was written for youth to tell the story of Martin Luther's adventures, including his testimony before the Emperor at the Diet of Worms and what was happening in Wittenberg during Luther's exile at Wartburg Castle. Released by Sola Publishing as part of the celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, the drama serves as a fun and interesting way for young people to enter into the story of Martin Luther, acting out some key moments in his life. The script allows for many participants, using accessible language and easy-to-learn songs based on familiar hymn tunes. Costume and prop notes are included, to help those in charge of the production.

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