70X7? For Real?

I once heard a wonderful message on forgiveness.  One of the main verses that was used was
Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV

Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

I was thinking about the message through out the day yesterday and focused in on this verse. I had a thought on this verse. Perhaps.. one of the meanings of this verse deals with the practicality of our God and the process of this thing called "forgiveness".

Perhaps one of the applications of this verse deals with the tenacity that unforgiveness tries to hold onto us. (can I get a witness). How many times have we thought that we had forgiven someone, then only to have strong feelings of hatred, hurt, and avoidance rise up on the inside of us? So. perhaps one of the issues that Jesus was addressing in regards to 70x7 forgiving concept is that hey... we might just have to reforgive that person 490 times for that one offense. It might be a daily or even an hourly act of forgiveness. Perhaps, it is an act of forgiving them all over again.. months later when we see that person or think of that person. Unforgiveness is a very tricky enemy and one of the most powerful ones out there. Why? Because at the core of God's nature is forgiveness and love. Unforgiveness is one of biggest things that will stop up God's flow of grace and love in our lives. So no wonder Jesus gives us this scripture to show us how persistant unforgiveness can be.

Now... if you are a close friend of mine or even a casual friend... you can close your ears (eyes) to this next thought because you have heard me ramble on about this subject so many times.... in fact.. I have probably given you the tshirt.
One of the practical ways to do this "forgiving" thing is by using a simple prayer. The simple prayer is this. 

 "God I forgive (so and so) and I ask that You forgive (so and so) and I ask that You richly bless them." 

 The first response from people is this, " I can't do that. I wouldn't mean it." I tell them.. you don't have to mean it. This is something that works just because you do it. Many times I will write this prayer down on a peace of paper and have them read it. I ask them to keep it close and pull it out many times each day and repeat that prayer. Our soul (mind, will, emotions) will not want to say that prayer. But this prayer is based on God's word and Spirit. No other area can you see the battle between the soul and the Spirit than in the area of forgiveness. This prayer is based on Luke 6:28

bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.

This verse says nothing about doing it only when you feel like it. It just says do it. If time would allow, I could tell you so many amazing stories of how I have used this prayer (with much repetiton) and God has done so many amazing things. The biggest fruit from this prayer has been it has kept me from getting all tied up in the web of anger and bitterness.

Just try it.  It WILL work.    

So guys, write this prayer down somewhere. Pull it out of your pocket and use it...... frequently. Walk in forgiveness. You need it...... so give it!