Prayer of Matthew 6:9-13

Matthew 6:9-13

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.



The true spirit in which prayer is to be offered to God is seen in the prayer. We are to pray in an unselfish spirit. It is “Our Father, “ not “My Father.”

Ours is to be a filial spirit, the approach of a son to a father.

The prayer is to be offered in a -

reverent spirit: “Hollowed be thy name”,

in a loyal spirit: “Thy kingdom come”,

in a submissive spirit: “Thy will be done on earth”,

in a dependent spirit: “Forgive us our trespasses”;

in a forgiving spirit: “As we forgive them that trespass against us”;

in a humble spirit: “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil”:

in a triumphant spirit: “Thine is the kingdom and the power”:

in an exultant spirit: “Thine is the glory for ever.”



The prayer embraces every relationship.

child and father: “Our Father;

worshiper and God: “Hallowed be thy name”;

subject and king: “Thy kingdom come”;

servant and master: “Thy will be done”;

beggar and benefactor: “Give us”;

pilgrim and guide: “Lead us”.

There is a striking symmetry in its structure. It commences with an invocation and concludes with a doxology; between these are six petitions.

The first three are directed Godward and for His glory;

The last three are manward and concerning his need.


thoughts from J.O. Sanders