…as we have forgiven our debtors (or in Luke, for we also forgive our debtors) – this elaboration of the petition has always invited reflection.  Enjoined by Jesus of his followers during the ministry, it must be apprehended within the eternal illumination provided by the atonement: our sins are forgiven by grace through faith. 

So why this added allusion to reciprocity?  Most commentators have argued that forgiveness of others here shouldn’t be understood as a condition of our own forgiveness, but rather as evidence for it, the natural and evident outgrowth, so to say, of our true and sincere apprehension of the magnitude of our own debt, our own inability to pay, and of our gratitude to Christ.

Maybe so.

But as far as I can see, Jesus was instructing us to ask God daily for continued responsibility in our own spiritual growth.  Let our own freedom remain operative and efficacious, let us be participant with You in our own destiny.  Continue to treat us as maturing children, rather than obedient servants.

 The prayer for avoidance of temptation follows immediately because the Christian’s greatest vulnerability is to the siren song of green pastures, still waters.