Topical Encyclopedia The Lord's Prayer, also known as the "Our Father," is a central prayer in Christian liturgy and personal devotion, taught by Jesus Christ to His disciples. It is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, with the most comprehensive version found in Matthew 6:9-13. This prayer serves as a model for Christian prayer, encapsulating key elements of worship, petition, and spiritual reflection.Biblical Context The Lord's Prayer is situated within the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus introduces it as a corrective to the ostentatious prayers of the hypocrites and the empty repetitions of the pagans. He emphasizes sincerity and simplicity in prayer, encouraging His followers to seek a personal and genuine relationship with God. Text of the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) "Therefore, you should pray like this: 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 lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Theological Significance 1. Addressing God as Father: The prayer begins with "Our Father in heaven," signifying a personal and intimate relationship with God. This address reflects the believer's adoption into God's family and the privilege of approaching Him with confidence and reverence. 2. Hallowed Be Your Name: This phrase acknowledges the holiness and sanctity of God's name. It is a call for believers to honor and glorify God in their lives, recognizing His supreme authority and majesty. 3. Your Kingdom Come: This petition expresses a longing for God's sovereign rule to be fully realized on earth. It reflects the hope for the consummation of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His justice and peace. 4. Your Will Be Done: Aligning with God's will is central to Christian discipleship. This request emphasizes submission to God's purposes and a desire for His plans to prevail in the world and in individual lives. 5. Daily Provision: "Give us this day our daily bread" underscores reliance on God for physical and spiritual sustenance. It is a reminder of God's provision and the believer's dependence on Him for all needs. 6. Forgiveness: The prayer includes a plea for forgiveness, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." This highlights the importance of repentance and the transformative power of grace. It also underscores the necessity of forgiving others as a reflection of God's forgiveness. 7. Spiritual Protection: The final petitions, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one," seek divine guidance and protection from sin and spiritual harm. It acknowledges the reality of spiritual warfare and the believer's need for God's strength to overcome evil. Liturgical and Devotional Use The Lord's Prayer holds a prominent place in Christian worship across denominations. It is recited in communal liturgies, personal devotions, and various sacramental rites. Its structure and content provide a framework for prayer that encompasses adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. Historical and Cultural Impact Throughout history, the Lord's Prayer has been a source of theological reflection and artistic expression. It has been set to music, incorporated into creeds, and used as a teaching tool for catechesis. Its universal appeal and profound simplicity continue to inspire and guide believers in their spiritual journey. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 6:9After this manner therefore pray you: Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be your name. Nave's Topical Index Luke 11:1 Greek 1967. epiousios -- for the coming day, for subsistence ... 1967 ("aptly substantive") only occurs in the Lord's Prayer. It refers to God's provision that is needed for (Mt 6:11; Lk 11:3) -- literally ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1967.htm - 7k 4506. rhuomai -- to draw to oneself, ie deliver 1783. enteuxis -- a petition, ie spec. supplication Library Forms of Prayer. --The Lord's Prayer; Its Occasion and Import. ... Concerning Fasting and Prayer (The Lord's Prayer). The Lord's Prayer, I The Lord's Prayer. The Lord's Prayer The Lord's Prayer The Lord's Prayer. The Lord's Prayer for Unity. The Structure of the Lord's Prayer The Lord's Prayer, viii Resources What is fervent prayer (James 5:16)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is listening prayer? Are listening prayers biblical? | GotQuestions.org Is there evidence that God answers prayer? | GotQuestions.org Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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