The Lord’s Prayer

The central prayer of Christianity, taught by Jesus to his disciples. It is the most widely known and recited Christian prayer, used across virtually all denominations and traditions.

The Prayer

Traditional Protestant Version (Matthew 6:9-13, KJV)

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Catholic/Orthodox Version

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

(Note: Catholics and Orthodox add the doxology “For thine is the kingdom…” only in the Mass, after an intervening prayer)

Biblical Context

Jesus taught this prayer in two contexts:

• In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:9-13) as part of teaching on prayer
• In response to the disciples’ request “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:2-4)

The prayer serves as a model, showing disciples both what to pray for and how to approach God.

Structure and Meaning

The prayer divides into two main sections:

Address and Three Petitions about God

1. Our Father in heaven - Establishes relationship and God’s transcendence
2. Hallowed be your name - Sanctification of God’s name
3. Your kingdom come - Prayer for God’s reign
4. Your will be done - Submission to divine will

Four Petitions about Human Needs

1. Daily bread - Physical sustenance
2. Forgiveness - Spiritual reconciliation
3. Deliverance from temptation - Moral guidance
4. Deliverance from evil - Protection from harm

The doxology (“For thine is the kingdom…”) appears in many ancient manuscripts and reflects Jewish prayer patterns.

Historical Significance

• Universal Christian Prayer: Used by Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, and other Christian groups
• Liturgical Centrality: Integral to the Mass/Divine Liturgy and daily prayer offices
• Catechetical Importance: Traditionally memorized as part of basic Christian instruction
• Ecumenical Bridge: One of the few prayers shared across all Christian denominations

Liturgical Use

• Catholic Mass: Recited before Communion
• Orthodox Liturgy: Part of the Divine Liturgy and daily prayers
• Protestant Worship: Commonly recited in Sunday services
• Daily Offices: Prayed multiple times daily in monastic traditions
• Personal Devotion: Foundation of individual prayer life

Variations

Different Christian traditions have minor variations:

• Debts vs. Trespasses vs. Sins: Different translations of the Greek word for wrongdoing
• Doxology: Some traditions include it, others omit it or use it differently
• Modern language: Contemporary versions use “you” instead of “thou”

Theological Themes

The prayer encompasses key Christian doctrines:

• Fatherhood of God
• Holiness and transcendence
• Kingdom theology
• Providence and trust
• Forgiveness and reconciliation
• Spiritual warfare
• Eschatological hope

Cultural Impact

Beyond religious use, the Lord’s Prayer has had immense cultural influence:

• Set to music countless times
• Basis for theological reflection and commentary
• Legal and political symbol (e.g., prayer in schools debates)
• Common element of civic and state occasions in Christian-majority societies