The Lord’s Prayer

Jesus gave us the words to the Lord’s Prayer in response to a request from one of His disciples.

“Our Father, who art in Heaven.”

Our core belief as Christians is that God is our Heavenly Father. We pray to “our” Father and not individually to “my” Father. We are members of God’s family that includes people from all generations and all nations.

“Hallowed Be Thy Name.”

Hallowed means holy or sanctified. “There is no one holy like the Lord.” [2] May the entire world recognize the holy name of God as the one true God of all, the Creator and Ruler of the universe.

“Thy Kingdom Come.”

May the Kingdom of God come in the here and now so that we can live in a world characterized by faith, hope, and love. [3] May the “new heaven and a new earth” come where we live eternally with no more death, crying, or pain. [4]

“Thy Will Be Done on Earth as it Is in Heaven.”

His will is that we praise Him and love one another. [5]

“Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread.”

True nourishment comes from communion with Christ. He is the “bread of life” that comes down from Heaven so that “whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” “Man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” [6]

“And Forgive Us Our Trespasses, as We Forgive Those Who Trespass against Us.”

The Bible teaches that a good time to extend forgiveness is during prayer when our minds and hearts are united with God. We should forgive even as Christ forgave us. [7]

“And Lead Us Not into Temptation.”

God is faithful to provide a way out of temptations that we may face. [8] We need divine discernment and help to steer clear of temptation and sin.

“But Deliver Us from Evil.”

If we seek the Lord, He will deliver us from our fears. [9] God is well able to protect us.

“For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.”

Praising God helps to focus on Him and realize just how Awesome He is and how small our problems are. “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” [10]

[1] Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4
[2] 1 Samuel 2:2
[3] 1 Corinthians 13:13
[4] Revelation 21:1-4
[5] Matthew 22:37-40
[6] John 6:48-58; Deuteronomy 8:3
[7] Mark 11:25; Ephesians 4:32
[8] 1 Corinthians 10:13
[9] Psalm 34:4
[10] Matthew 19:26