What is the meaning of Luke 11:4?

And forgive us our sins

Jesus teaches us to ask the Father for forgiveness as a regular, essential part of prayer.

• Sin is a universal reality (Romans 3:23), so confession keeps our fellowship with God vibrant (1 John 1:9; Psalm 32:5).

• By placing this petition early in the prayer, Christ shows that cleansing is foundational before we bring other requests (Hebrews 4:16).

• We approach with confidence because God delights to pardon (Micah 7:18–19); His mercy is wider than our failure (Psalm 103:12).

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for we also forgive everyone who sins against us

Our plea for mercy is tethered to our practice of mercy toward others.

• Forgiving people proves we have tasted forgiveness ourselves (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13).

• Jesus links God’s pardon to our willingness to release bitterness (Matthew 6:14–15). Unforgiveness slams the door on answered prayer (Mark 11:25).

• The parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21–35) illustrates the tragedy of receiving grace yet withholding it.

• Daily prayer becomes a checkpoint: Have I canceled the debts of those who have wronged me?

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And lead us not into temptation

We ask the Father to guide our steps away from spiritual danger and toward holiness.

• God never entices anyone to sin (James 1:13–14); the request is for protective leadership, much like a shepherd steering sheep clear of a cliff (Psalm 23:3-4).

• We recognize our vulnerability; without His guard we stumble (Matthew 26:41).

• He promises an escape route with every trial (1 Corinthians 10:13). Praying this keeps us alert to those exits—and humble about our need for them.

• By asking in advance, we invite the Spirit to shape our choices, companions, and circumstances so that obedience becomes the simplest path (Galatians 5:16).

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summary

Luke 11:4 invites believers to live in continual dependence: receiving the Father’s forgiveness, extending that same grace horizontally, and trusting His shepherding away from spiritual pitfalls. The verse is a daily rhythm—cleansed hearts, open hands, guarded steps—that keeps us walking closely with our Lord.