What Does the Lord's Prayer Mean — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

Jesus taught this prayer as a pattern, saying 'After this manner therefore pray ye' (Matthew 6:9). Each line carries deep meaning: 'Our Father which art in heaven' — We approach God as children to a loving Father, not as slaves to a master. 'Hallowed be thy name' — We begin with worship, honoring God's character. 'Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven' — We submit to God's rule and purposes. 'Give us this day our daily bread' — We depend on God for practical provision, one day at a time. 'And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors' — We receive and extend grace, linking our forgiveness to how we forgive others. 'And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil' — We ask for protection from spiritual danger. 'For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever' — We close with praise, acknowledging God's sovereign reign. This prayer moves from God's glory to our needs to spiritual warfare — a perfect structure for all prayer.

Where It Sits in Scripture

Supporting Passages