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Lord’s Prayer

At the conclusion of the Great Thanksgiving, we pray for the fulfillment of God’s reign on earth, using the words Jesus taught his first disciples.

As Christ our Savior taught us, we are bold to pray:

Our Father ...

Notes adapted from Supplemental Liturgical Resource 1 (WJKP, 1984).

Great Thanksgiving |  Breaking of the Bread

About the Lord's Prayer

Heidelberg Catechism

Heidelberg Catechism Question 118. What has God commanded us to ask of him? All things necessary for soul and body which Christ the Lord has included in the prayer which he himself taught us.

Westminster Shorter Catechism

Shorter Catechism Question 99. What rule hath God given for our direction in prayer? The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples, commonly called “the Lord’s Prayer.”

• 2 Tim. 3:16-17 “All scripture is inspired by God …

The Lord’s Prayer

Click on any line below to read commentary from the catechisms.

About the Lord's Prayer

On Christian prayer

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our debts
as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory, forever.
Amen.

Thinking, Praying, Living | Apostles' Creed | Lord's Prayer | …

Our Father, who art in heaven

Heidelberg Catechism

Heidelberg Catechism Question 120. Why has Christ commanded us to address God: “Our Father”? That at the very beginning of our prayer he may awaken in us the childlike reverence and trust toward God which should be the motivation of our prayer, which is that God has become our Father through Christ and will much less deny us what we ask him in faith than our human fathers will refuse us earthly things.

Heidelberg Catechism Question 121. Why is there added: “who art in heaven”? That we may have no earthly conception …

On Christian prayer

Heidelberg Catechism

Heidelberg Catechism Question 116. Why is prayer necessary for Christians? Because it is the chief part of the gratitude which God requires of us, and because God will give his grace and Holy Spirit only to those who sincerely beseech him in prayer without ceasing, and who thank him for these gifts.

Heidelberg Catechism Question 117. What is contained in a prayer which pleases God and is heard by him? First, that we sincerely call upon the one true God, who has revealed himself to us in his Word, for all that he has commanded …

Hallowed be thy name

Heidelberg Catechism

Heidelberg Catechism Question 122. What is the first petition? “Hallowed be thy name.” That is: help us first of all to know thee rightly, and to hallow, glorify, and praise thee in all thy works through which there shine thine almighty power, wisdom, goodness, righteousness, mercy, and truth. And so order our whole life in thought, word, and deed that thy name may never be blasphemed on our account, but may always be honored and praised.

Westminster Shorter Catechism

Shorter Catechism Question 101. What do we pray for in the first petition? In the …

Amen

Heidelberg Catechism

Heidelberg Catechism Question 129. What is the meaning of the little word “Amen”? Amen means: this shall truly and certainly be. For my prayer is much more certainly heard by God than I am persuaded in my heart that I desire such things from him.

Study Catechism

Study Catechism Question 134. What is meant by the word, “Amen”? “Amen” means “so be it” or “let it be so.” It expresses our complete confidence in the triune God, the God of the covenant with Israel as fulfilled through our Lord Jesus Christ, who makes no promise that will …

Thy kingdom come

Heidelberg Catechism

Heidelberg Catechism Question 123. What is the second petition? “Thy kingdom come.” That is: so govern us by thy Word and Spirit that we may more and more submit ourselves unto thee. Uphold and increase thy church. Destroy the works of the devil, every power that raises itself against thee, and all wicked schemes thought up against thy holy Word, until the full coming of thy kingdom in which thou shalt be all in all.

Westminster Shorter Catechism

Shorter Catechism Question 102. What do we pray for in the second petition? In the second petition, …

Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven

Heidelberg Catechism

Heidelberg Catechism Question 124. What is the third petition? “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” That is: grant that we and all men may renounce our own will and obey thy will, which alone is good, without grumbling, so that everyone may carry out his office and calling as willingly and faithfully as the angels in heaven.

Westminster Shorter Catechism

Shorter Catechism Question 103. What do we pray for in the third petition? In the third petition, which is, “Thy will be …

Give us this day our daily bread

Heidelberg Catechism

Heidelberg Catechism Question 125. What is the fourth petition? “Give us this day our daily bread.” That is: be pleased to provide for all our bodily needs so that thereby we may acknowledge that thou art the only source of all that is good, and that without thy blessing neither our care and labor nor thy gifts can do us any good. Therefore, may we withdraw our trust from all creatures and place it in thee alone.

Westminster Shorter Catechism

Shorter Catechism Question 104. What do we pray for in the …