What he gave them is what we call the Lord’s Prayer. Some people call it the Disciples’ Prayer, because it was given to disciples for disciples to pray. Jesus himself never needed to ask forgiveness for his sins. We do.
Historical Context
Luke’s version is shorter than Matthew’s, probably because Jesus taught it more than once. The version most Christians pray today follows Matthew, with a doxology (“For thine is the kingdom…”) that Protestants usually add and Catholics say in a slightly different form at Mass.
The Disciples’ Prayer
Our Father, which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in 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, for ever.
Amen.
What the Prayer Teaches
- “Our Father”: We pray as family, never alone.
- “Hallowed be thy name”: God comes first.
- “Thy kingdom come”: We want his rule, not ours.
- “Daily bread”: We ask for today’s needs, not a stockpile.
- “Forgive us… as we forgive”: Mercy received becomes mercy given.
- “Deliver us from evil”: We admit we can’t protect ourselves.
A Prayer to Learn to Pray
Lord, I’m asking what your disciples asked:
teach me to pray.
Slow me down when I rush through your words.
Let me mean every line.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- Morning, noon and evening, as the early Christians did.
- When you don’t know what else to pray.
- With children, line by line.
Scripture Connection
“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” — Luke 11:1
The disciples didn’t ask Jesus to teach them to preach or heal. After watching him, prayer was what they wanted to learn. Asking to be taught is the first step.
Related prayers
For Matthew’s version and how to use it as a pattern, see The Model Prayer. For praying to God as Father, the Abba Father Prayer.