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Everyday Faith 8 steps · about 7 min

Praying as Jesus Taught

The Lord's Prayer, slowly.

Sit with the prayer Jesus gave us, line by line.

The big idea

The Lord's Prayer is shorter than most of our texts — and contains everything we need to say to God.

What does “Praying as Jesus Taught” walk through?

1

Our Father

Matthew 6:9 · KJV

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

In plain English

Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, your name is holy.

2

Father, Not Boss

Jesus didn't open with 'Almighty King.' He opened with 'Father.' We don't approach God to negotiate. We approach because we're family.

3

Your Kingdom Come

Matthew 6:10 · KJV

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

In plain English

Bring your way of doing things here. Make earth look more like heaven.

4

Daily Bread

Matthew 6:11 · KJV

Give us this day our daily bread.

In plain English

Give us what we need today. Not a year's supply. Today's.

5

One Day at a Time

Notice 'daily.' Not 'lifetime supply.' God parcels out enough — one day's worth. We're invited to ask, then trust the next day's bread to the next day.

“The Lord's Prayer is the model. Praying it slow is half the work.”

6

Forgive As We Forgive

Matthew 6:12 · KJV

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

In plain English

Forgive us — and help us let go of the wrongs done to us.

Pray

Our Father, hallowed be your name. Today's bread is enough. Forgive me, and help me forgive. Amen.

Write it down

Which line of the Lord's Prayer do you need to pray today?

You finished: Praying as Jesus Taught

Pray these lines tonight before bed. Slowly. Tomorrow morning. Slowly. They wear in over time.

Which passages does this journey use?

4 passages, drawn from Matthew 6:9, Matthew 6:10, Matthew 6:11, Matthew 6:12. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 7 minutes for the whole thing, or 8 short sittings.

  • Matthew 6:9
  • Matthew 6:10
  • Matthew 6:11
  • Matthew 6:12

Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.

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