How to Pray

The Sermon on the Mount (con’t)

(Luke writes that Jesus was later asked by the disciples to teach them how to pray and taught only them. Matthew places the story here while teaching the crowds.)

The Lord's Prayer {Matthew}

“Do not act like hypocrites who pray where they’ll be seen by others. They have no further reward coming. When you pray, go into a room and close the door. You cannot see your Father as you pray. He, however, sees everything done in secret and will reward you (because you didn’t pray to gain the praise of other people).

“Pagans think many words ensure that their prayers will be heard. Do not follow their example. Your Father knows what you need before you even ask. Pray thus” (the version found in most churches):

“Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name (revered or set apart as holy). Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts (trespasses) as we forgive our debtors (those who trespass against us). And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (Matthew says the evil one).”

(The following line isn’t in the Bible.) For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

{Luke}

One of Jesus’ disciples said to him (not necessarily one of the twelve; many followed Jesus at different times and were called disciples), “Lord, teach us to pray as John taught his disciples.”

Jesus said, “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.”