Christianity reached Samoa in 1830 and became part of the fabric of village life, the fa’a Samoa. Prayer opens meetings, blesses meals and begins almost every gathering. Most people searching for a Samoan prayer want one of a few things: the Lord’s Prayer in Samoan, a grace, or a prayer to open an event.
Historical Context
Samoan prayer is usually spoken by a matai, a pastor or an elder on behalf of everyone present, and it often begins with thanks before anything is asked. The English prayers below follow that pattern.
The Lord’s Prayer in Samoan
Lo matou Tamā e, Oi le lagi,
ia paia lou suafa.
Ia o’o mai lou malo.
Ia faia lou finagalo, i le lalolagi e pei ona faia i le lagi.
Ia e foa’i mai ia te’i matou i le aso nei a matou mea’ai e tatau ma le aso.
Ia e fa’amagalo ia te’i matou ia matou agasala,
e pei ona matou fo’i ona matou fa’amagaloina atu i e ua agaleaga mai ia te’i matou.
Aua fo’i e te ta’ita’iina i matou i le fa’aosoosoga,
a ia e lavea’i ia i matou ai le leaga.
Auā e ou le malo, ma le mana, atoa ma le viiga, e faavavau lava.
Amene.
In English: “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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. 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.”
A Prayer Before a Meal
Fa’afetai, Lord, for this food,
for the hands that grew it and cooked it,
and for the family gathered here.
Bless this meal and bless this house.
Remember those who have less tonight,
and make us generous.
Amen.
A Prayer to Open a Meeting or Gathering
Lord, we thank you for bringing us together
from our villages and our homes.
Be the first voice in this meeting.
Give wisdom to those who lead,
respect in how we speak,
and peace in what we decide.
Let everything we do here honour you and our families.
Amen.
A Prayer for Healing
Lord, our family brings you one we love who is sick.
You know their name and their pain.
Lay your hand on them, give strength to their body,
and wisdom to those who care for them.
Keep us together and faithful while we wait.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- At evening family prayer (sā).
- Before a family meal, a feast or a fa’alavelave.
- To open a church, village, school or community meeting.
- At a wedding, funeral, or White Sunday service.
- When a family member is ill or travelling overseas.
Scripture Connection
“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15
Prayer in Samoa is a family act more than a private one. The evening sā gathers the whole household, and many Samoan homes would recognise Joshua’s words as a description of how they already live.
Related prayers
For other short prayers to open a gathering, see the Wednesday Night Prayer. For a family member who is sick, the Healing Prayer for My Brother and Healing Prayer for My Dad go further.