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Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 105 of 107

What do we pray for in the fifth petition?

A.In the fifth petition, which is, And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, we pray that God, for Christ’s sake, would freely pardon all our sins; which we are the rather encouraged to ask, because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others.

Which Bible passages support this answer?

The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 105. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.

  1. Matthew 6:12

    and forgive us our debts, as we ourselves have forgiven our debtors. (NET)

  2. Psalm 51:1-2, 7, 9

    1For the music director, a psalm of David, written when Nathan the prophet confronted him after David’s affair with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, because of your loyal love. Because of your great compassion, wipe away my rebellious acts. 2Wash away my wrongdoing. Cleanse me of my sin. 7Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be pure; wash me and I will be whiter than snow. 9Hide your face from my sins. Wipe away all my guilt. (NET)

  3. Daniel 9:17-19

    17“So now, our God, accept the prayer and requests of your servant, and show favor to your devastated sanctuary for your own sake. 18Listen attentively, my God, and hear! Open your eyes and look on our desolated ruins and the city called by your name. For it is not because of our own righteous deeds that we are praying to you, but because your compassion is abundant. 19O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, pay attention, and act! Don’t delay, for your own sake, O my God! For your city and your people are called by your name.” (NET)

  4. Luke 11:4

    and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And do not lead us into temptation.’” (NET)

  5. Matthew 18:35

    So also my heavenly Father will do to you, if each of you does not forgive your brother from your heart.” (NET)

What does this answer mean?

In the fifth petition we pray that God, for Christ's sake, would freely pardon all our sins. The answer adds that we are encouraged to ask because, by his grace, we are enabled from the heart to forgive others. Forgiving others is a sign of the grace God gives.

What can we ask our children?

  1. For whose sake does God forgive us?
  2. What does it mean to forgive from the heart?
  3. Is there someone you need to forgive?

Can I print this question?

Yes. Every printable here is free for home, church and co-op use. Press Print on any of these pages for a clean sheet.

Text: The Shorter Catechism, constitutional text of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Public domain (1647). Proof references: Scripture proofs added by the Westminster Assembly, as transcribed by The Westminster Standard. Scripture quotations are from the NET Bible; see permissions.

Checked against a second edition on November 15, 2026. Explanation and questions by Household Theology Press. Last updated November 15, 2026.

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