The Lord's Prayer

The Lord's Prayer — called the "Our Father" from its opening words — is the prayer which Jesus himself entrusted to his disciples and to the Church (Matthew 6:9–13). The Church calls it "a summary of the whole Gospel" (CCC 2761, 2774).

The Seven Petitions

The first three petitions are directed to God: Hallowed be thy name — that God's name be known and revered; thy kingdom come — the coming of God's reign; thy will be done on earth as in heaven — surrender of our will to God's. The final four are for our needs: give us this day our daily bread; forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; lead us not into temptation; deliver us from evil (CCC 2803–2865).

The Heart of Each Petition

The petition for forgiveness is unique — it contains a condition: "as we forgive those who trespass against us." This is the only petition in which we offer something to God, and it is the only one Jesus explicitly comments on after the prayer (Matthew 6:14–15; CCC 2838–2845).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Protestants add "for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory"? This doxology is not found in the oldest manuscripts of Matthew 6. It was added to the prayer in liturgical use by early Christian communities and appears in the Didache (1st–2nd century). The Catholic Mass includes it as a separate priestly response after the prayer (CCC 2855).

What does "lead us not into temptation" mean? God does not tempt anyone (James 1:13). The petition asks God not to allow us to enter into temptation that would lead us to sin — to give us the grace to resist (CCC 2846–2849).