The Lord’s Prayer

What Is the Lord’s Prayer?

The Lord’s Prayer, often called the Our Father, is the prayer Jesus taught His disciples.

It is the most important prayer in Christianity because it comes directly from Christ Himself.

Every petition teaches us how to relate to God as His children.

“Thus therefore shall you pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.” — Matthew 6:9

Why Did Jesus Teach This Prayer?

The disciples saw Jesus pray and asked Him to teach them.

“Lord, teach us to pray.” — Luke 11:1

Jesus responded by giving them a perfect model of prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer teaches us:

• Who God is.
• Who we are.
• What we should desire.
• How we should live.

Our Father

Jesus teaches us to call God Father.

Through grace and Baptism we become adopted children of God.

Prayer begins with trust and confidence in our Heavenly Father.

Hallowed Be Thy Name

We pray that God’s name be honored, loved, and glorified.

This petition reminds us that God deserves worship above all things.

Thy Kingdom Come

We pray for the growth of God’s Kingdom.

This includes:

• The conversion of hearts.
• The spread of the Gospel.
• The holiness of the Church.
• The return of Christ in glory.

Thy Will Be Done

Jesus teaches us to seek God’s will rather than our own.

True freedom is found in trusting God’s wisdom and love.

This petition asks that our hearts become obedient to the Father, as Christ was obedient.

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

We ask God to provide for our needs.

This includes:

• Material necessities.
• Spiritual nourishment.
• The Eucharist, the Bread of Life.

This petition teaches daily dependence on God.

Forgive Us Our Trespasses

We ask God for mercy.

At the same time, we commit ourselves to forgiving others.

Christ links receiving mercy and showing mercy.

Lead Us Not Into Temptation

God does not tempt us to sin.

This petition asks God to strengthen us against temptation and help us remain faithful.

We ask for grace to avoid sin and persevere in the spiritual life.

Deliver Us From Evil

We ask God’s protection against evil, sin, and the powers of darkness.

We place our trust in Christ’s victory over Satan, sin, and death.

Why the Lord’s Prayer Matters

The Lord’s Prayer contains everything necessary for Christian prayer.

It teaches us how to worship, trust, forgive, depend on God, and hope for His Kingdom.

The Church has long treasured the Lord’s Prayer as the summary of the whole Gospel.

Key Truths About the Lord’s Prayer

• Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer.
• The Lord’s Prayer is the model of Christian prayer.
• God is our Father.
• We seek God’s Kingdom and His will.
• We depend upon God daily.
• We ask forgiveness and extend forgiveness.
• We seek strength against temptation.
• We trust God to deliver us from evil.

What Does This Mean For Me?

The Lord’s Prayer reminds us that we are children of God.

Whenever we pray it, we join our voices to Christians throughout the world and throughout history.

It teaches us to trust God, seek His will, forgive others, and live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

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Continue Learning

Now that you understand the Lord’s Prayer, the next step is: The Rosary

Learn how Catholics meditate on the life of Christ through one of the most beloved prayers in Christian history.