As Jesus continued teaching the disciples to pray In Matthew 6:12 he said, "and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Forgiveness is central to the Gospel. Jesus died for us so that we could be forgiven. It is fascinating that Jesus doesn't just tell people to simply ask for forgiveness and move on. He implies here that we must first show forgiveness to others. If you're a Christian, then you've already been forgiven. The implication here is that if God can forgive you and me, then we should be able to show the same level of forgiveness to others. Jesus tells a great story about this that you can read in Matthew 18:23-35.

When Jesus died on the cross, he paid the penalty for every sin you've ever committed: past, present and future! Not only did he pay for your sin, but the sins of countless others who have done all sorts of unspeakable evils. If God can forgive them for all those things, can't we forgive those who sin against us? Forgiveness is at the heart of God and he wants us to follow his example. Forgiveness can be challenging, but also freeing. Paul writes this encouraging verse on the same theme:

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Colossians 3:12-13

When you pray as a family...

Allow time for everyone to reflect on the previous day and see if there is anyone they need to forgive, or anyone they need to seek forgiveness from.
Give time for everyone to ask the Lord for forgiveness.
Pray for a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience and love towards others.