Prayer is a way of life for a Christian. We know that since God is almighty that he does indeed hear our prayers, but will he grant all our requests? If we pray for a million dollars will he give it to us? Well, we know that as a good father, he will give us what we need when we need it, as we pray in the Lord's Prayer, "Thy will be donecGive us this day our daily bread." In today Gospel lesson, Jesus gives us confidence for our prayers. Matthew 18:19-20. "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

When those two or three come together in the name of Jesus, they are praying about the work of Jesus, that is, the work done in the name of Jesus, on this earth. They are not praying about something selfish or harmful. It is a prayer that comes from loving God and loving the neighbor. If this prayer were a petition, they know that Jesus would sign the petition, too. If it is something we are sure that Jesus would sign his name to, if we are sure that Jesus would be proud to participate in that prayer, then we pray with all confidence.

But what should we pray for? We should pray for everything in the Lord's Prayer, praying in detail for those things that are needed right now or that we feel in our hearts. In today's Gospel lesson, Jesus is telling his disciples to pray for three specific things. We should pray for children. We pray that nothing would lead them away from faith in Jesus Christ. And we should pray that the brother or sister who has sinned should return, be sorry, and be forgiven.

First we pray for children. Their bodies might be small, but their faith is big. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (18:3-4). We hear about child abuse. As a Pastor, I feel that the greatest abuse of children is when children are not taught the Gospel of Jesus, or when they are not brought to Sunday School or the water of Baptism. If people really love children they should want them to have eternal life.

And whether children or adults, we pray that those who have wandered away from the flock of the church would come home. After finding them, the next step is repentance and forgiveness. Repentance says "I am sorry, I want to come home." Forgiveness says, "Welcome back." This is the point or purpose of forgiveness. It is not to gloss over sin, rather it is to remove sin and hard feelings so that we can have fellowship. Forgiveness is reconciliation, it is fellowship. It is being with others. When God is with us, it is he greatest of all blessings. God is with us in Jesus Christ. That is, God forgives us in Jesus Christ. His death shows how much he wants to be with us. That is why forgiveness is salvation.

Amen.

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