Brokenness is a shared experience among humans. Everyone does things they are not proud of. How people handle their brokenness is as varied as there are human beings. Whether people hold onto their brokenness or let it go, forgiveness is a key ingredient to restoration and wholeness. To be forgiven by another is powerful; to be forgiven by self is even more powerful; to be forgiven by God restores us in ways no other can. When God restores through forgiveness, we are restored to wholeness within the entire fabric of creation. The energy that is released out into the world when God extends forgiveness has the power to heal the planet. It also has the power to decimate guilt and shame. This prayer petition recognizes that what happens between people, and between people and creation, and between people and God matters.

(For more information about the effects of shame, check out the work of Dr. Brene Brown or the TED talk that propelled her into the national spotlight.)

Luke 11:2-4

He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.”