And Forgive Us Our Trespasses, As We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us.
Each phrase of the prayer offers a glimpse into the heart of our heavenly Father and serves as an opportunity to embrace His touch, His protection, and His provision in our everyday life.
Translation of epi is futile, especially in Latin and English, but its idea is universal and clear to all Greek speakers in each individual compound: motion toward, touching upon, purpose.
Clearly, this word was immediately and widely impressed upon the first Greek speaking Christians, to the extent that the writers of Matthew and Luke used the same word, depsite being from different times and locations and having slightly different texts of the prayer.
I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you.
Through prayer, seeking advice from spiritual mentors, and receiving Sacraments like the Eucharist and Reconciliation, God showers his grace upon us, forging in us the capacity to forgive.