The Our Father, or Lord's Prayer, Explained
The question of, “How do we pray?” is one that is often asked and one that was posed thousands of years ago by the disciples. In Luke 11:1-4, when one of Jesus’ disciples ask Him, “Lord, teach us to pray,” Jesus replied by giving us the prayer that we recite countless times throughout our lifetime — the Our Father, also known as The Lord’s Prayer.
What is the Lord's Prayer?
Jesus instructed His disciples and us to:
"Pray, then, in this way"
Reflecting on the Meaning of the Lord's Prayer
This short prayer takes a mere 15-20 seconds to say, yet is filled with incredible meaning. If ever there was a prayer that summarized our faith and what’s expressed in the Gospels, the Our Father is it. On his reflection on this prayer, St. Cyprian of Carthage, a third century bishop wrote, “My dear friends, the Lord’s Prayer contains many great mysteries of our faith. In these few words there is great spiritual strength, for this summary of divine teaching contains all of our prayers and petitions.”
If you’ve been a practicing Catholic since you were little, you’ve been reciting this prayer more times than you can count. Like anything we do repeatedly, saying this prayer silently or out loud becomes second nature.
It’s important to remind ourselves to stop and reflect on the words we are saying. With the help of religious scholars and clergy, let’s take a closer look at what each line means, and how we can apply this prayer to our lives. Because as Pope Benedict XVI wrote, “The meaning of the Our Father goes much further than the mere provision of a prayer text. It aims to form our being, to train us in the inner attitude of Jesus.”
If ever there was a prayer that summarized our faith and what’s expressed in the Gospels, the Our Father is it.
The meaning of the Our Father goes much further than the mere provision of a prayer text. It aims to form our being, to train us in the inner attitude of Jesus.
1. Our Father, Who art in heaven
We start this prayer by professing our core religious belief that God is our heavenly Father—the one who is all knowing and all powerful. Notice that Jesus didn’t instruct us to say, “My Father” but stressed “Our Father.” Scripture scholar John Meier explains that in God’s kingdom, we don’t live as isolated individuals but “we experience God’s fatherhood as members of the church, the family of Jesus the Son.” This reminds us that we recognize all those around us as children of God and treat them accordingly.
2. Hallowed be Thy Name
Hallowed is another word for holy or sanctified. When we say “hallowed be Thy name,” we are not only telling God “I recognize that you are holy,” but more importantly, we’re asking that His name be recognized by everyone throughout the world as being the ultimate holy power—that one day (sooner rather than later) all will know Him to be righteous, powerful, and everyone’s one true God.
3. Thy Kingdom come
This petition has a two-fold meaning. First, we are asking that God’s kingdom (where there’s only goodness, honesty, and love for one another) surround us in our everyday life. Secondly, we are praying for the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise that He will return at the end of time and grant us eternal life.
4. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven
We pray these words asking for God’s grace to move us to do His will throughout our life. That means doing all the things that will please our Father — even the difficult things, whether it’s something big such as moving an elderly parent into our home or volunteering our time once a week at the soup kitchen, to something as small as giving up a parking space or not calling a best friend to spread some juicy gossip. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops says, “In committing ourselves to [Christ], we can become one spirit with him, and thereby accomplish his will…”
5. Give us the day our daily bread
Here we’re recognizing that all things we need come to us from God. We’re asking that God continue to give us not only the food we need for nourishment, but also the Bread of Life, the Eucharist.
6. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us
This is a tough one. It may be easy for us to ask God to forgive us our “trespasses” or sins, but God in his infinite wisdom teaches us that in order for Him to forgive our wrongdoings, we must first forgive those who’ve hurt us. God isn’t being difficult, rather He’s teaching us that when there is bitterness and anger in our hearts, there’s no room for His love to fill our hearts. How can we ask God to be merciful and forgive our sins, if we’re holding a grudge or refuse to forgive someone who’s wronged us? Forgiving someone is often easier said than done. Only God can give us the strength to do it through prayer.
7. And lead us not into temptation,
Temptation and sin go hand in hand. When we come face to face with temptation, it can sometimes be difficult to resist. That’s why we need our Father to set up the road blocks and lead us far from the path of temptation.
8. But deliver us from evil.
Evil is an unfortunate reality in our world. The devil is always trying to tempt us and makes it his full-time job to look for ways to steer us from the right path and onto the wrong one. The devil has no power over God and when we pray to God for protection against all that is evil, He will shield us — always.
There are many moving prayers that we can say, but when it comes to one prayer that takes the main aspects of our faith and summarizes them in several short lines, the Our Father is the perfect prayer.
Thankyou for the breaking down of the (our father which art in heaven) meaning I now have a more clear understanding of the Lord’s prayer.
Wow im impressed, i thought i knew how to pray until i read this powerful prayer
After reading the Lords prayer and it’s meaning, I feel Brand New, like I’ve been born again. I see things in a whole new light.
This was truly a blessing. Thank you
In God I trust. In the Devil Islam I don’t
I understand the prayers of our Father.Thank You Lord
Our Father,Would never “lead us into temptation,”, if we were not prepared by our faith in Jesus to endure this threat, so we ask not to be challenged.
Thank you for a better understanding of the Lords prayer! May God bless all of his children and bring comfort to all!
Our Father,Would never “lead us into temptation,”, if we were not prepared by our faith in Jesus to endure this threat, so we ask not to be challenged.
I prefer “let us not be led into temptation “
YA, MEIN FUHER, i’LL TALK TO jESUS ABOUT IT. ;;;;;;; bUT SERIOUSLY, YOU MAKE A GOOD POINT. hOWEVER, ASSUMING THIS IS WHAT jESUS SAID, THEN THE BIGGER CHALLENGE IS TO TRY AND UNDERSTAND WHAT HE MEANT HERE. iT’S ALREADY BOGGLING MY MIND.’ BUT i’M GOING TO TRY. ANTHONY
Thanks, after all these years I finally understand how to find protection from evil and keep it out of my life,and that is to keep saying the Out Father
Thank you. I have a huge mountain to climb. Understanding the meanings of The Lords Prayer and Hail Mary is restoring my faith which I feel has taken a severe blow. Thanks again.
Our Father,Would never “lead us into temptation,”, if we were not prepared by our faith in Jesus to endure this threat, so we ask not to be challenged.
Comment. I have a better understanding about the father’s prayer. Thank you so much.
Why is there a difference in the Lords prayers in same bibles?
In one of my bibles it reads
“and forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors”
Dear Ms. Brickner, one of the best answers we could find comes from this website http://www.catholic.com/quickquestions/most-bible-translations-use-the-word-debts-in-the-lords-prayer-so-why-do-we-say-forgi. As American English speaking Catholics, the prayer is most often phrased and prayed aloud in church with the use of “trespasess” and not “debts”. We opted to use the most commonly used prayer version for our audience.
The Lord is my savior
Thanks for scaring the devil out of my life by giving a deeper meaning of the Lords prayer. I am more empowered! Batlang Mmualefe, Gaborone, Botswana
for thine is the kingdom, the power and glory
-amen
The about line was what’s added to the prayer at the end….was taught to recite this about 20 yrs ago….pls correct if required
I was also taught that last line, but I was also taught that after that comes “forever and ever”. Amen
With reference to “the kingdom, the power and the glory,” please refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 2760. It will explain why we say it in Mass when associated with the Eucharistic celebration. It goes all the way back to 90 AD, and is always associated with the celebration of the Eucharist.
I have been asking the deacon in the Church I attend to discuss two aspects of our faith which I think most people who attend Mass do not understand. The first thing is explaining the parts of the Mass. What they are & what they mean. Second are the lines in the Our Father which you have done here.The article is very well done. Thank you.
I really needed to read this tonight. Thank you and peace be with you and everyone who reads this. Spread God’s love. It matters.
Based on the above study you are requested to explain the following Bible verses :
1). Galatians 3:26
2). John 1:12
3). Romans 8:14-16
4). 1 John 3:9-10
5). John 8:41-47
6). John 3:16
When you can explain John 6:44-71.
Thank you for the breakdown this not only helps me understand what we pray but read this article inspires. Fabian
Thanks for a job well done. In the lords prayer please what is the meaning of the word ‘Art’
Art is just another ancient way of saying are. Listen to the old scottish bagpipe song about world war 1 and how it tells about burying the soldier “lay me doon in the caul caul grun” . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BB2Ad04mukI
Aramaic, gallic, anglican, saxon, norman, etc. variations had to influence the writing of the KJ bible. Trespassers/es is substituted for debtors/s in some versions.
Its verygood
Thank you so much. May God bless you and keep you.
“And forgive us our trespasses.”
I have been puzzled by the above line for the past 73 years; but now I believe it would be better and clearer to say:
“And forgive us for those we have wronged.”
I believe that Jesus gave us so much in this short prayer, you can find deeper meaning in it the more you contemplate on it. I say it in my car on the way to work every morning. Everything you could need is in this prayer.
This is a very good interpretation.I suggest that it is also translated into Swahili language.
The LORD’S prayer is amazing. The break down explains it just the JESUS wants us to understand the word.
Well said. I really needed this. Now i understand, so I can and will explain to my babies. In God I trust.
Amen
I am so glad I found this, everything but the “Thy kingdom come” part is self explanatory for me; but I’ve been wondering about that phrase in the prayer for a long time & now I know, Thank You
The Lord’s prayer has helped me through some difficult nights. With family, friends and work I was suffocating myself. It’s a beautiful and strong prayer. When each verse is explain, life has a better meaning. “Our Father”. AMEN
Thank you. I now have the understanding of what “And lead us not into temptation” truly means. I was confused and questioned why God would tempt us, now I know it’s to protect us.
Comment thanks a lot
This is the most helpful website I have ever found to break down the prayers into simple, modern terms. You have done a great job at making today’s generation understand what the prayers are truly about, and it has made me personally (18 years old) feel like I can finally get something out of my prayers, understanding what the words mean more deeply. Thank you.
I have noticed that there is no mention of praying about God curing those who are suffering, or sick etc. This is a very common prayer in all churches.. Will God change His mind and cure these people because we asked or will his “will be done” ?
WE SHOULD ALWAYS TALK TO GOD IN THANKSGIVING AND IF WE PRAY FOR OOURSELVES OR OTHERS,I SAY IF IT IS GOD’S WILL. GODS PLAN IS BEST, NOT WHAT WE THINK THAT WE OR ANOTHER PERSON NEED. DIFFICULT!
I should confess, at the age of 28, its only today i made time to understand though the Lord’s prayer. Thank you for the explanation. Be blessed.
This is way i explain why and how to pray the Lord’s Prayer to others and especially when i give Pre Cana Seminars.
Thanks for teaching me to pray the Lord’s prayer with much more BOLDNESS and SECURITY!
I still struggle with, “And lead us not into temptation”. Why would a loving God lead us to temptation? The explanation above seems insufficient. If the explanation provided is correct, why wouldn’t the prayer say (something like), “And lead us far from the path of temptation” or “And give us the strength to resist temptation”?
Hi Gaz! Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: – James Chap 1 vs 13. God will never lead you into any kind of temptation to sin, that’s what Satan does to us. Also in 1 Corinthians 10:13 we have the promise of escape by being empowered by grace to say “NO” to temptation and sin: No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it….. Satan is referred to as the ‘tempter’ and ‘the accuser of the brethren’. God equips us to enter into a kind of spiritual warfare and stand our ground against the enemy (the Devil) – the full armour of God as is defined in Ephesians 6: 13. Grace and Peace, mate!
I have a better understanding now. But, need clarification on, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as in heaven. Where are our souls after we die while waiting for Jesus to come again? Do we go to heaven before final judgement or are we laying in nothingness until called. Please explain.
Roms verses 10: 9, 10 “that is you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved”. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness (being right with God) and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Which means, that when you die your spirit (the real you), being made righteous by the blood of Christ goes straight to Heaven. Yeah! And Ephesians: ch 2 vs 8: “For by grace you are saved through faith and that not of yourself; it is the ‘gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast’. No soul sleep nor purgatory (won’t find that in the new testament). Isn’t that great news!
??? Wrong
As they used to say, I was born into Christianity and I have remained a Christian for 60 years. I believe the scriptures when it warns us that there will be a great turning away. Not much that is happening today surprises me, but I must say I was a little concerned to read that the current Pope wants to tweak the Lord’s Prayer. Seems he does not like the verse: “And Lead Us Not Into Temptation…” Is nothing sacred?
Translations in other languages of the biblical Greek have the meaning “let us not be led into temptation”. The Pope, I presume, wishes that interpretation to be clear in all languages.
I agree.
The current Pope needs to be replaced.
Thank You for this piece of mind of understanding spiritually this prayer
Very well written. Thank you
I plan to share your outline with my 7th grade religious students as we are making prayer sticks based on the Lord’s Prayer. I think this will make the prayer more meaningful for them. Then we will visit the second grade class and use the prayer sticks and explain the prayer to the younger students. Your help has been invaluable.
Many blessings
how can i live my life without regret?
HI HOLLY, TELL A TRUSTED FRIEND OR RELATIVE ABOUT YOUR REGRETS, AND TELL GOD. TRY TO PRACTICE A LIFE OF SELFLESSNESSSERVICE TO OTHERS WHEN POSSIBLE. YOU WILL SEE A DIFFERENCE!
HOW NICE
Amen
thanks be God,I have now understood this paryer
I am 59 years old and have always wondered what all I was praying when I would recite this beautiful prayer. Now I understand! Thank you!
oh god our lord you have the power and the glory for ever and ever GOD BLESS
Glory be to God in Heaven I now understand fully the meaning of this prayer.
I REPEAT THIS PRAYER EACH NIGHT OF MY LIFE. IT IS SO POWERFUL AND IT MAKES ME FILLED WITH HIS LOVE AND GUIDEANCE EACH AND EVERYDAY. PRAISE YOU ALMIGHTY GOD. KATHY
wow, take off caps lock
nice
nice comment
nice “nice comment”
Nice ‘nice nice comment’
Amen
Thank you for having this prayer explained. My young son ask #6 and the first words out of my mouth was Thats a Tough one! Funny, that’s how #6 starts.
I say this prayer every night just before I go to sleep. I used to simply say it from memory and suddenly, I actually wondered what exactly does each paragraph mean? Thank you for explaining it in easy-to-understand words!
Thank you for sharing your perspectives on our Lord’s Prayer today. My faith heritage includes my Father’s Catholic experiences. I’m grateful to Jesus for his gift of love so that we may be merciful as he is mercy.
I am confused by line 7. If we have free will how can God either do or do not “lead us not into temptation” it seems like a major conflict to me. Ideas?
yes you have a free will, and yes we do make mistakes al the time.that said by praying to our lord we are asking him honestly from our soal to lead us not into temptation. “god will do it for you” keep asking god and you will see results.your friend in “god”. jay on this earth now.
Great information. Love reading about Gods word. I have problems praying sometimes, the meaning of the Lords prayer helps, is there any other prayer that can help putting the words together?
No I do like for it to be shared,with some one else, my personal questions. Thanks
Thank you!
soup kitchen
THANK YOU….
When I say this prayer, I do it line by line. I pause in between lines and say what I think it means. This explanation helps further help with my understanding.
The Lord’s Prayer is my communion with God.
I say it 3 times a day and more if I’m troubled.
When I’ve had surgery it is my comfort.
I have one major problem
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those.
I am finding it very difficult to forgive my son who has hurt me terribly. Sending me hate mail via social media, on my birthday last year.
Not all that was said is true.
I want to forgive but I am afraid of him being in my life again.
It hurts so very much.
Father forgive me.
I feel exactly as you.
It is very difficult for me to forgive my son although I pray for him often. Reading the explanation in The Our Father” How can I ask for forgiveness when I am not willing to forgive my son. That shook me to my core.
I will continue to pray The Our Father and spend time meditating on “ and forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”.
I must take the action to forgive him.
With God leading me how can I failk
i understand the prayer now thanks god
Why are there 50 beads praising and hailing to Mary but only five beads recognizing God the Father in heaven? WHY OH WHY?
I’ve never understood why the prayer includes “Lead us not into temptation”. Who are we to tell God or ask God where to lead us? He surely knows best where to lead us for His plan, doesn’t He? It’s a bit presumptuous of us to give Him instructions on where to lead us, and where do we get off telling Him – it IS worded as “telling” – what to do? Can someone tell me why this line doesn’t contradict the belief that God knows best for us? Isn’t it the Devil who leads us into temptation?
those who worship god for attention do they have faith in God