What is the Lord's Prayer?

The Lord's Prayer, also known as the Our Father, is a central Christian prayer taught by Jesus to his disciples as a model for how to pray. It is a prayer that emphasizes themes of praise, petition, and forgiveness.

Why do some denominations use different words in the Lord's Prayer?

Different denominations may use variations in wording due to differences in biblical translations and traditions. For example, some use 'debts' while others use 'trespasses' to refer to sins.

How is the Lord's Prayer used in Christian worship?

The Lord's Prayer is recited in churches worldwide during both communal and personal worship. It is a staple of Christian liturgy and is used in various religious services and ceremonies.

What does 'thy kingdom come' mean in the Lord's Prayer?

'Thy kingdom come' is a petition for God's reign to be established on earth, reflecting a desire for divine justice, peace, and righteousness to prevail in the world.

Why do Catholics and Protestants have different endings for the Lord's Prayer?

Catholics typically end the prayer with 'deliver us from evil,' while many Protestants add a doxology, 'For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.' This difference arises from variations in biblical manuscripts and liturgical traditions.

What is the significance of 'daily bread' in the Lord's Prayer?

'Daily bread' signifies a request for God to provide for our daily needs, symbolizing both physical sustenance and spiritual nourishment.

How do different Christian traditions interpret the Lord's Prayer?

Different Christian traditions may emphasize various aspects of the Lord's Prayer, such as its call for forgiveness, reliance on God for daily needs, or the anticipation of God's kingdom. Despite these differences, the prayer remains a central and unifying element.

Why do some people say 'debts' and others say 'trespasses' in the Lord's Prayer?

The use of 'debts' or 'trespasses' depends on the translation and tradition. 'Debts' is more common in Protestant traditions, while 'trespasses' is often used in Catholic and Anglican traditions, reflecting different interpretations of the original Greek text.

The Lord's Prayer

Prayer traditions · Updated March 31, 2026

Overview

The Lord's Prayer has been translated into more than 1,500 languages, cementing its status as one of the most translated texts in history. This underscores its centrality in Christian worship and its universal appeal across cultures and languages. Known as the Our Father, the prayer serves as a model of Christian prayer, emphasizing themes of praise, petition, and forgiveness. Its simplicity combined with depth has resonated with believers around the world, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers.

Originating in the New Testament, the Lord's Prayer appears in the books of Matthew and Luke. According to these accounts, Jesus taught this prayer to his disciples as a guide for how to pray. Written originally in Koine Greek, the common language of the Eastern Mediterranean at the time, the prayer quickly became a staple of early Christian liturgy. While the versions in Matthew and Luke differ slightly — reflecting diverse traditions within early Christianity — both emphasize core tenets of faith, such as the coming of God's kingdom, daily sustenance, and the importance of forgiveness. Its inclusion in the Bible meant that as Christianity spread, so too did the Lord’s Prayer.

Today, the Lord's Prayer remains a vital part of Christian liturgy, recited in churches across the globe during both communal and personal worship. Its ecumenical significance is apparent in its acceptance and use by nearly all Christian denominations, making it a rare unifying element in a religious landscape often marked by doctrinal differences. As one of the most translated texts in history, the prayer continues to reach new audiences, illustrating its enduring influence and adaptability to countless linguistic and cultural contexts worldwide.

The Lord's Prayer has been translated into more than 1,500 languages, making it one of the most translated texts in history.

Common questions

What is the Lord's Prayer?: The Lord's Prayer, also known as the Our Father, is a central Christian prayer taught by Jesus to his disciples as a model for how to pray. It is a prayer that emphasizes themes of praise, petition, and forgiveness.
Why do some denominations use different words in the Lord's Prayer?: Different denominations may use variations in wording due to differences in biblical translations and traditions. For example, some use 'debts' while others use 'trespasses' to refer to sins.
How is the Lord's Prayer used in Christian worship?: The Lord's Prayer is recited in churches worldwide during both communal and personal worship. It is a staple of Christian liturgy and is used in various religious services and ceremonies.
What language was the original Lord's Prayer written in?: The original Lord's Prayer was written in Koine Greek, the common language of the Eastern Mediterranean at the time of its composition.
What does 'thy kingdom come' mean in the Lord's Prayer?: 'Thy kingdom come' is a petition for God's reign to be established on earth, reflecting a desire for divine justice, peace, and righteousness to prevail in the world.
Why do Catholics and Protestants have different endings for the Lord's Prayer?: Catholics typically end the prayer with 'deliver us from evil,' while many Protestants add a doxology, 'For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.' This difference arises from variations in biblical manuscripts and liturgical traditions.
What is the significance of 'daily bread' in the Lord's Prayer?: 'Daily bread' signifies a request for God to provide for our daily needs, symbolizing both physical sustenance and spiritual nourishment.
How do different Christian traditions interpret the Lord's Prayer?: Different Christian traditions may emphasize various aspects of the Lord's Prayer, such as its call for forgiveness, reliance on God for daily needs, or the anticipation of God's kingdom. Despite these differences, the prayer remains a central and unifying element.
Why do some people say 'debts' and others say 'trespasses' in the Lord's Prayer?: The use of 'debts' or 'trespasses' depends on the translation and tradition. 'Debts' is more common in Protestant traditions, while 'trespasses' is often used in Catholic and Anglican traditions, reflecting different interpretations of the original Greek text.

Source: Met · CC0

Key facts

Origin: The Lord's Prayer is found in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the books of Matthew and Luke.
Language: The original text of the Lord's Prayer was written in Koine Greek, the common language of the Eastern Mediterranean during the time of Jesus.
Liturgical Use: The Lord's Prayer has been a central part of Christian liturgy since the early church, recited in both personal and communal worship settings.
Textual Variations: There are slight variations in the wording of the Lord's Prayer between the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke, reflecting different traditions in early Christianity.
Ecumenical Significance: The Lord's Prayer is one of the few prayers universally accepted and used by nearly all Christian denominations, highlighting its unifying role in Christianity.

Context

The Lord's Prayer, also known as the Our Father, is a central prayer in Christianity taught by Jesus to his disciples. It is considered a model for Christian prayer, encompassing themes of praise, petition, and forgiveness. The prayer's simplicity and depth have contributed to its enduring significance across diverse Christian traditions.