It’s no secret that when we pray the Lord’s Prayer (the Our Father), there’s one point of uncertainty: do we say “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,” or do we say, “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors?” Presbyterians are among those who use “debts,” and most others seem to use “trespasses.”

In fact, “debts” is correct according to the source of the Lord’s Prayer, Matthew 6.9 – 13. Look it up in almost any translation. The word translated “trespasses” is opheilema:

ὀφείλημα opheilēma; from (the alternate of) 3784; something owed, i.e. (figuratively) a due; morally, a fault: — debt.

It was William Tyndale who used the word “trespasses” in 1526. The very influential Anglican Book of Common Prayer used Tyndale’s “trespasses” when it was published in 1549, and it has stuck. Here’s an excellent article explaining the nuances.

But that’s not the point of this blog…

A few days ago I was at a memorial service, conducted by Presbyterian ministers in a Presbyterian church. At the end, one of the ministers said something like this. 

In a few minutes, we’re going to pray the Lord’s Prayer together. I’m aware that this is a mixed crowd. Not all of us are Presbyterians here; in fact, probably most of us are not Presbyterians. We say “debts,” but most traditions say “trespasses.” So let’s keep it simple, and we’ll say “trespasses.”

My first thought was, “Why? We’re Presbyterians for goodness sake, and “debts” is right!” But then I realized, “Saying ‘trespasses’ may not have been right, but it was certainly considerate.” 

Knowledge puffs up while love builds up. (1 Corinthians 8.1, NIV)

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up… Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15.2, 7, NIV)