What is the Lord’s Prayer?

The prayer commonly referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer” is not a prayer that Jesus Himself prayed, but a model He gave to His disciples as an example of how to pray. It is found in two Gospel accounts (Matthew 6 and Luke 11). This prayer is not meant to be repeated mechanically, but serves as a framework that teaches the priorities and heart posture of true prayer.

“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:9–13)

The real Lord’s Prayer, the prayer Jesus Himself prayed, is found in John 17. In that chapter, Jesus intercedes for His disciples and for all future believers, revealing His heart for unity, sanctification, and glorification:

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word.” (John 17:20)

The model prayer in Matthew contains seven key elements:

Address to God as Father:

“Our Father in heaven”

This acknowledges the personal relationship believers have with God and His authority.

Worship and reverence:

“Hallowed be Your name”

This means honoring God’s name as holy and recognizing His worthiness.

Submission to God’s rule and purpose:

“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”

This expresses a longing for God’s reign and a desire to see His purposes fulfilled in the world.

Daily dependence:

“Give us this day our daily bread”

This is a request for provision, not in abundance, but for what is needed each day.

Forgiveness and mercy:

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”

This acknowledges our need for grace and the call to extend that grace to others.

Spiritual guidance and protection:

“And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”

This is a plea for strength against sin and protection from the enemy’s schemes.

Glory and eternal perspective (often included in church tradition, though not in all manuscripts):

“For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:13, KJV)

The Lord’s Prayer teaches that prayer should begin with God’s name, God’s kingdom, and God’s will before our personal needs. It centers the believer on dependence, humility, and faith.

Luke’s version adds this insight:

“When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven…” (Luke 11:2)

Jesus used this prayer to teach a pattern of godly priorities in communication with the Father. It is not the words alone but the heart behind them that honors God.

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