Forms of Prayer: The Lord's Prayer

The Lord’s prayer comes from two places in the New Testament, Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4. Numerous versions of the prayer exist, some of which use more words or fewer words, and some which use either more or less contemporary language. Amongst Roman Catholics, the prayer is known as the “Our Father.” This prayer is perhaps the most widely known and repeated prayer within the Christian tradition. It is used in many worship services are well as in personal and family devotions. Here are two of the most common versions:

Traditional Protestant Version

Our father, who art in Heaven,
Hallowed be thy name;
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
As we have forgiven our debtors;
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
And the power,
And the glory,
Forever.

Traditional Roman Catholic Version

Our Father who art in Heaven,
Hallowed be thy name;
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 trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.

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