Forgiveness Prayer with Rev. Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan

This episode is taken from The Healing Power of Prayer New Expanded Edition by Rev. Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan

On the Cross,  Jesus demonstrates the nature of unconditional forgiveness when he promises heaven to the good thief. He does not demand an apology or set up a schedule for retribution. He simply says: "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43). Likewise, Jesus realizes that when we hurt others we are often unaware of the damage we inflict. He offered total forgiveness to his executioners: "Abba, forgive them, they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34).

When the rich young man decides to turn down his invitation to discipleship, Jesus does not give him a lecture on his lack of generosity or complain about the rejection he felt. Instead, Jesus looks at the man and loves him (Mark 10:17-22). Jesus does not limit his love or forgiveness to those who do things his way. He loves people unconditionally, always accepting them as they are.

In the story of the prodigal son, the father does not become bitter with his son for leaving home, squandering his money, or embracing an irresponsible lifestyle. Rather, he patiently longs for his son's homecoming. When the son finally returns home, the loving father does not even wait for an apology or permit a confession. Embracing his son warmly, the forgiving father celebrates the beginning of a new and closer relationship with his son than he ever dreamed possible (Luke 15:11-32).

An inability to forgive others for the hurts they have caused us leads to many psychological and physical diseases. These problems find their source, totally or in part, in bitterness, resentment, hostility, and unresolved conflict with others. These situations disturb our lives and often result in insomnia, headaches, stomach cramps, and neurotic and psychotic disorders. Forgiveness often is a key factor in freeing our body and mind to release the hostility that blocks spiritual growth.  In Forgiveness Prayer, we ask Jesus to accompany us on a journey to reconciliation, inner freedom and healing.