How to Memorize the Lord's Prayer

Jesus taught the disciples to pray what is commonly known as The Lord's Prayer. The prayer is listed in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4. The prayer is not a magic spell or a prayer guaranteed to catch God's ear. Instead it is an example of how we are to pray and you will be richer for memorizing its simple refrain.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Familiarize yourself with the prayer by reading it aloud once every morning and once every night for one week. "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen."
2. Meditate of the meaning of the prayer. What do you think the words are saying? Why are certain words used and how might they be interpreted? Read some critical commentary or discuss with a knowledgeable friend to discern what you think the prayer is about.
3. Study one phrase for each day of one week. Meditate on the meaning of each phrase and how it relates to your life now.
4. Address your prayer to God by saying "Our Father who art in heaven." Meditate on the concept of an all-powerful, omnipotent God.
5. Praise God by exclaiming "Hallowed be your name." This is attributing and recognizing God's sovereignty.
6. Recognize that God's plan is best by declaring "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." God has an overall plan even though our short-sightedness might blind us from it. Relinquish your life to God on a daily basis.
7. Accept God's providence and forgiveness by stating "Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." God provides what we need, when we need it and his grace is available at all times. Recognize that without His providence, we would have nothing and without His forgiveness, we would not be able to call ourselves His children and claim our place in Heaven.
8. Identify that we are in the middle of spiritual warfare by declaring "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." We have an enemy and he is Satan. Protect yourself from spiritual attacks by praying to God for protection.
9. Attribute the power back to God, recognizing that it must all fall under His will and plan by ending with "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen."
10. Practice saying each section together until you have fully memorized the prayer.

Tips & Warnings

• Write sections of the prayer on post-it notes and place them around the house.