Most people, when they think of praying, think of asking. For many, prayer is an endless list of requests.

But this is not what Jesus taught. For Him, prayer is a moment of intimate communion with God, where we can even reveal our weaknesses and expose them before the Father of Lights.

Jesus said, “When you are praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father in heaven may also forgive your trespasses.”

Prayer, then, becomes much more significant. It is the intimate moment where we can admit and show God our sorrow for the harm we have received, whether in word or deed.

There will be moments when we may even cry in His presence. It will be a good time to give all our pain to God and stop carrying those heavy burdens.

Everything must ultimately lead to forgiveness. We choose to forgive because we are followers of the One who, after being insulted, beaten, and crucified, said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”