Definition: 

The Christian Meaning of “The Lord’s Prayer”

The Lord’s Prayer is the prayer Jesus taught His disciples as a model for how to pray. 

Recorded in Matthew 6:9–13 and Luke 11:2–4, it expresses the heart of Christian prayer: praise, submission, dependence, confession, and intercession. 

It is also called the “Our Father”, reflecting intimacy and reverence in addressing God.

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION

A. Matthew 6:9–13

“Pray then like this: ‘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 also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’”

• Prayer is relational — addressed to the Father

• Prayer is worshipful — beginning with God’s holiness

• Prayer is comprehensive — covering provision, forgiveness, and protection

This truth shows that Jesus teaches us not only what to pray, but how to pray.

You can approach God with confidence, knowing He welcomes you as Father.

B. Luke 11:2–4

“He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

• Shorter version emphasizing dependence

• Focus on kingdom, provision, forgiveness, deliverance

• Highlights daily reliance on God

This truth reveals that prayer is a continual posture of trust.

You can bring every need to God, knowing He hears and provides.

THEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

A. Addressing God as Father

• Intimacy, trust, reverence

• Invitation into relationship

• Foundation of Christian prayer

This truth shows that prayer begins with identity — God is your Father.

You can pray with boldness and tenderness.

B. Praise and Sanctification

• “Hallowed be your name”

• Worship before petition

• Desire for God’s glory above all

This truth reveals that prayer aligns the heart with God’s holiness.

You can begin prayer by lifting your eyes to God’s majesty.

C. Kingdom and Will

• Longing for God’s rule

• Submission to divine purposes

• Desire for heaven’s reality on earth

This truth shows that prayer shapes desires to match God’s will.

You can surrender your plans to God’s perfect wisdom.

D. Daily Provision

• Dependence on God for every need

• Trust in His faithful care

• Physical, spiritual, relational sustenance

This truth reveals that God delights to provide for His children.

You can trust God for today without fear of tomorrow.

E. Forgiveness

• Receiving mercy from God

• Extending mercy to others

• Living in grace and reconciliation

This truth shows that forgiven people forgive.

You can walk in freedom from bitterness and guilt.

F. Guidance and Deliverance

• Protection from temptation

• Deliverance from evil

• Dependence on God for moral strength

This truth reveals that spiritual safety comes from God’s power.

You can rely on God to guard your heart and guide your steps.

HISTORICAL & LITURGICAL CONTEXT

• Used in early Church worship and catechesis

• Taught by Church Fathers as a model for all prayer

• Recited in nearly all Christian traditions

This truth shows that the Lord’s Prayer unites believers across centuries.

You can pray it knowing you join the global Church in worship.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR BELIEVERS

• Model of prayer

• Spiritual formation

• Ethical instruction

• Daily dependence

• Spiritual protection

This truth reveals that the Lord’s Prayer shapes both devotion and daily life.

You can use it as a pattern for your own prayer rhythm.

SUMMARY

The Lord’s Prayer is:

• A comprehensive model of Christian prayer

• Trinitarian in orientation

• A blend of praise, submission, petition, forgiveness, deliverance

• Central to personal and corporate worship

• A template for living in dependence on God

Simple Definition

The Lord’s Prayer is the prayer Jesus taught His disciples, summarizing how to honor God, seek His will, trust His provision, receive forgiveness, extend mercy, and rely on His protection.

Biblical Imagery & Metaphors

• Lifting hands toward heaven

• River flowing to quench thirst

• Seed planted to bear fruit

In Daily Faith

Pray daily, following its structure to align your heart with God.

IN DAILY LIFE: LIVING OUT THE LORD’S PRAYER

1. “Our Father in heaven” — Intimacy and Trust

Daily Application

• Approach God as Father “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” — Romans 8:15

• Trust God with your worries “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

Why This Matters

Prayer begins with relationship, not ritual.

Encouragement

Your Father welcomes you with love and compassion.

2. “Hallowed be your name” — Praise and Reverence

Daily Application

• Begin with worship “Sing to the Lord, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day.” — Psalm 96:2

• Honor God in your actions “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31

Why This Matters

Worship reorders the heart.

Encouragement

God’s holiness inspires awe and joy.

3. “Your kingdom come, your will be done…” — Submission to God’s Will

Daily Application

• Seek God’s purposes above your own “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

• Live out kingdom values “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” — Micah 6:8

Why This Matters

God’s will is wiser and better than ours.

Encouragement

God leads you into His good purposes.

4. “Give us this day our daily bread” — Dependence on God

Daily Application

• Trust God for provision “The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in due season.” — Psalm 145:15

• Practice contentment “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” — Hebrews 13:5

Why This Matters

Dependence deepens faith.

Encouragement

God provides faithfully, one day at a time.

5. “Forgive us our debts…” — Confession and Forgiveness

Daily Application

• Confess sins regularly “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9

• Extend forgiveness “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32

Why This Matters

Forgiveness restores relationships.

Encouragement

You are forgiven — now live free.

6. “Lead us not into temptation” — Spiritual Vigilance

Daily Application

• Recognize areas of weakness “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” — Matthew 26:41

• Establish boundaries and accountability “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body…” — 1 Corinthians 6:18

Why This Matters

Awareness protects the soul.

Encouragement

God strengthens you to resist temptation.

7. “Deliver us from evil” — Protection and Dependence

Daily Application

• Pray for protection “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” — Psalm 27:1

• Stand firm in spiritual warfare “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:11

Why This Matters

Only God can deliver from evil.

Encouragement

God is your refuge and defender.

Daily Faith Practices Inspired by the Lord’s Prayer

• Begin the day with worship and trust

• Align your actions with God’s will

• Depend on God for provision and strength

• Practice confession and forgiveness

• Pray for protection and guidance

• Use the prayer as a model for intercession

Encouragement: The Lord’s Prayer shapes your heart to reflect God’s heart.

Summary

• A practical template for daily communion with God

• Guides worship, submission, trust, forgiveness, dependence

• Shapes decisions, relationships, and moral choices

• Strengthens spiritual growth and discipleship

Scripture References for Daily Application

Matthew 6:9–13 (NIV) 

Luke 11:2–4 (NIV) 

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) 

Psalm 96:2 (NIV) 

Micah 6:8 (NIV)

Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) 

1 John 1:9 (NIV) 

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) 

Matthew 26:41 (NIV) 

Psalm 27:1 (NIV) 

Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)