How to Pray the "Lord's Prayer"

Christians have faithfully intoned the "Lord's Prayer," also called the "Our Father," for centuries. To pray the simple phrases of the prayer is sufficient prayer for a lifetime. In Matthew's gospel, Jesus teaches the words of the "Lord's Prayer" and how to pray it. (Matthew 6:5-14)

Instructions

1. Conduct your prayer in private. Jesus warns that to pray so that others may be impressed with your piety is hypocrisy. All the reward such prayer brings is the attention the one who prays craves. The only reward worthy of private prayer is the reward granted by the Father, who is found in secret and who rewards you in secret.

2. Keep your prayers simple. Jesus teaches that your Father does not respond to "empty phrases." (Matthew 6:7) More importantly, God knows what you need before you ask. Go to God in humble and simple prayer. God will hear you.

3. Pray the words of the "Lord's Prayer." These words, "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 do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one."

4. Practice forgiveness. Matthew's section on the "Lord's Prayer" ends with a challenge and a promise for the rest of your life. If you forgive others, you are forgiven. If you do not forgive those who have wronged you, Jesus warns, "neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14)

References

• Bible Study Tools: Matthew 6: 5-14 (New Revised Standard NRSV)