An in-depth look at the Lord's Prayer

WHAT IS PRAYER AND HOW DO CHRISTIANS PRAY?

Prayer is simply a way for Christians to talk to, and listen to God. Some people aren't sure how to pray, even the disciples struggled. So Jesus taught them The Lord's Prayer.

Our Father who is in heaven, holy is your name

Jesus starts by saying how great God is. Jesus calls God ‘Father’.This is important for Christians. It shows that God is like a loving dad. It reminds them that they are God’s children.
Jesus also says that God’s name is holy. This shows

respect for God - even his name is special.

 

Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven

God’s kingdom is a place where God rules and people behave in the way that Jesus teaches them to. Christians believe that in God’s kingdom, people love and respect God as he deserves and people treat each other fairly and kindly. This is also God’s will. He wants the world to be the best place for us to live. When Christians pray this, they are praying that the Earth will be a place of peace and justice.

Give us today our daily bread

Bread is a staple food; without it we can not live. Jesus tells his disciples to ask God for all the things they need. This is another sign of God’s care for His people.

And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us

Jesus reminds his disciples to say sorry for the things which they get wrong, the things which hurt God and other people. Christians believe that God forgives their sins when they confess them. But there is something else they must do: forgive other people in turn. This is a reminder to live at peace with others.

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil

Jesus knew that it was not always easy to do the right thing. So he taught his disciples to ask God for his help to live in a way that pleases God. Christians believe that God’s Holy Spirit lives with people, and He helps them do as God asks.

For Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever

The prayer ends where it begins: with God. Jesus reminds his friends that everything they do is to show the world how wonderful God is.

AMEN

When Christians pray a prayer, they often finish with the word AMEN. This simply means that they agree with what has just been said. It literally means, 'and so be it.'

 

The Lord's Prayer images from Phillip Martin Clip Art

DID YOU KNOW? Many Christians say The Lord's Prayer together every single Sunday at church. Our Father who is in heaven, holy is your name Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven Give us today our daily bread And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil For Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever AMEN