How to Pray the Lord's Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer is Jesus’ primary example of how to pray.

We are told that prayer is one of the most important things a Christian can do. It is also one of the most powerful tools we have. Through prayer we can talk to God, ask Him things, and share our hearts with Him. The Lord’s Prayer is Jesus’ perfect example of prayer.

Why Do We Pray the Lord’s Prayer?

When we understand how to pray through the Lord’s Prayer, we have a greater understanding of how Jesus wants us to pray. Even though the Lord’s Prayer may seem simple, we can learn a lot about who God is and our relationship with Him in its words. Each section of the prayer teaches us about God and also teaches us one of the best ways to pray.

In Luke 11, right after Jesus teaches His followers the Lord’s Prayer, He tells them that God is the perfect Father who loves and cares for us. Jesus tells us to knock at the door and God will answer. We should bring our prayers to God because we know He will answer them. If you need encouragement in prayer, the Lord’s Prayer can help guide you and teach you.

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Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name…

Jesus opens this prayer by worshiping God and calling Him holy. When you pray, start by thanking God for who He is. Acknowledge His goodness and faithfulness, and praise Him for His many attributes. Thank Him for being a good father, and worship Him for all His traits.

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Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven…

When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we are reminded to pray for God’s rule and reign in our neighborhoods, cities, nations, and lives. Pray for God’s Kingdom to come into this world and ask for His rule over your life. Pray for God to redeem your country and pray for everyone to know Him.

Give us this day our daily bread

God has promised that He will provide for our everyday needs. When we are praying, ask for your daily needs, whether that be food, shelter, or health. Jesus tells us in Luke 12 that God cares for all our needs, so make those needs known before God.

Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us…

1 John 1 says that when we confess our sins to God, He will forgive us. Take some time to confess your sins and shortcomings to God. Let the Holy Spirit convict you and guide your prayer. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring to mind people that have sinned against you so that you can forgive them.

Lead us not into temptation…

God has promised to protect us from temptation and has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us. 1 Corinthians reminds us that God offers us a way out of temptation and into righteousness. Pray for God to protect you from temptation and unholiness, and ask Him to lead you in your daily life.

But deliver us from evil…

We have an enemy who wants to steal, kill, and destroy. But God wants us to have life. Pray for God’s protection over your life and the world. Ask God to protect you from Satan’s schemes, and pray for God to deliver the world from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

When you pray, remember that God is powerful over all things. Jeremiah 10 says that God created all things and has power over all things. If you are discouraged, uncertain, or lost, remember that you can pray to an all-powerful God who loves you.