One of the most well-known and frequently recited prayers in the Bible is the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer, taught by Jesus to his disciples, serves as a model for how believers should approach God in prayer. It is found in the book of Matthew in the New Testament, in chapter 6, verses 9-13:
Matthew 6:9-13
9 Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
This prayer covers various aspects of our relationship with God, including honoring His name, seeking His will, asking for provision, seeking forgiveness, and asking for protection from temptation and evil. In the Gospel of Luke, a shortened version of the Lord’s Prayer is also recorded:
Luke 11:2-4
2 Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.
3 Give us each day our daily bread,
4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.
Throughout the Bible, there are other references to the themes found in the Lord’s Prayer. For example, in the book of Psalms, we see verses that emphasize seeking God’s will and provision:
Psalm 105:4
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Psalm 145:15-16
15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.
16 You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
In the book of James, we are reminded of the importance of forgiveness and the need to resist temptation:
James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
The Lord’s Prayer serves as a guide for believers on how to pray and approach God with reverence, humility, and trust. Through its words, we are reminded of God’s sovereignty, provision, forgiveness, and protection in our lives.
Meaning Of the Lord’s Prayer Verse by Verse
Many Christians recite the Lord’s Prayer on a regular basis, but do we truly understand the depth and meaning of each verse? Let’s take a closer look at this powerful prayer, breaking down each verse and exploring its significance.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
This opening verse of the Lord’s Prayer establishes the foundational relationship between God and His children. By referring to God as “Our Father,” we acknowledge His authority, love, and care for us. It reminds us that we are beloved children of God, and that we can approach Him with confidence and trust.
Hallowed be thy name.
In this verse, we express reverence and adoration for the name of God. By declaring His name to be “hallowed,” we are acknowledging His holiness and greatness. This verse reminds us to treat God’s name with respect and honor, understanding the significance of who He is.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Here, we are praying for God’s kingdom to come on earth and for His will to be done. This verse emphasizes the sovereignty of God and His ultimate plan for the world. It challenges us to align our will with God’s will, surrendering ourselves to His purpose and direction.
Give us this day our daily bread.
By asking for our daily bread, we are acknowledging our dependence on God for our basic needs. This verse highlights God’s provision and care for His children, reminding us to trust Him for our sustenance. It also encourages us to live in the present moment, relying on God’s daily provision.
Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in our relationship with God and others. By asking for forgiveness and committing to forgive others, we are acknowledging our own sinfulness and need for grace. This verse challenges us to extend the same forgiveness to others that God has shown us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
In the final verse of the Lord’s Prayer, we ask for God’s guidance and protection against temptation and evil. This verse recognizes the spiritual battles we face and our need for God’s strength and protection. It is a reminder that we are in constant need of God’s help to navigate the challenges and temptations of life.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
While this doxology is not found in all versions of the Lord’s Prayer, it serves as a powerful reminder of God’s eternal sovereignty and glory. It echoes the sentiments of the previous verses, affirming God’s ultimate authority and majesty. It is a declaration of praise and worship, acknowledging God’s eternal reign and power.
The Lord’s Prayer Verse KJV
One of the most well-known and beloved passages in the Bible is the Lord’s Prayer. Found in the book of Matthew in the King James Version, this prayer is a model of how believers should approach God in prayer. Let’s take a closer look at the verses that make up the Lord’s Prayer and what they teach us about our relationship with God.
Matthew 6:9-13
In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus gives his disciples a template for prayer that begins with honoring God’s name and seeking His will. The verses continue to ask for daily provision, forgiveness of sins, and deliverance from temptation. This prayer highlights the importance of acknowledging God’s sovereignty and relying on Him for all of our needs.
Matthew 6:14-15
Following the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in verses 14 and 15. He teaches that if we do not forgive others, we will not be forgiven by God. This verse serves as a reminder that forgiveness is an essential part of our relationship with God and others.
Matthew 6:33
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs his followers to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This verse reminds us that our priorities should be centered on God and His purposes. By seeking Him first, we can trust that He will provide for all of our needs.
Matthew 6:34
Matthew 6:34 encourages believers not to worry about tomorrow, for each day has enough trouble of its own. This verse reminds us to trust in God’s provision and to live each day fully focused on Him. By surrendering our worries and fears to God, we can experience His peace and presence in our lives.
Matthew 7:7-8
In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus encourages his followers to ask, seek, and knock, for those who seek will find, and those who ask will receive. This verse reminds us of the power of prayer and the importance of persistently seeking God’s will. By approaching God with faith and persistence, we can experience His goodness and grace in our lives.