What is the Lord’s Prayer? Heidelberg Catechism (1563)

All of the questions and answers below are from Heidelberg Catechism (1563).

The Lord's Prayer, Matthew 6:9b-13 (KJV)

Preface — Our Father which art in heaven

Why has Christ commanded us to address God as our Father?¹

To awaken in us at the very beginning of our prayer that childlike reverence and trust toward God which should be basic to our prayer: God has become our Father through Christ and will much less deny us what we ask of him in faith than our fathers would refuse us earthly things (Matthew 7:9-11; Luke 11:11-13).

Why is there added, in heaven?²

These words teach us not to think of God’s heavenly majesty in an earthly manner (Jeremiah 23:23-24; Acts 17:24-25), and to expect from his almighty power all things we need for body and soul (Matthew 6:25-34; Romans 8:31-32).

First Petition — Hallowed be thy name

What is the first petition?³

Hallowed be your name. That is: Grant us first of all that we may rightly know you (Jeremiah 9:23-24; 31:33-34; Matthew 16:17; John 17:3), and sanctify, glorify, and praise you in all your works, in which shine forth your almighty power, wisdom, goodness, righteousness, mercy, and truth (Exodus 34:5-8; Psalm 145; Jeremiah 32:16-20; Luke 1:46-55, 68-75; Romans 11: 33-36). Grant us also that we may so direct our whole life – our thoughts, words, and actions – that your name is not blasphemed because of us but always honoured and praised (Psalm 115:1; Matthew 5:16).

Second Petition — Thy kingdom come

What is the second petition?⁴

Your kingdom come. That is: So rule us by your Word and Spirit that more and more we submit to you (Psalm 119:5, 105; 143:10; Matthew 6:33). Preserve and increase your church (Psalm 51:18; 122:6-9; Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:42-47). Destroy the works of the devil, every power that raises itself against you, and every conspiracy against your holy Word (Romans 16:20; 1 John 3:8). Do all this until the fullness of your kingdom comes, wherein you shall be all in all (Romans 8:22-23; 1 Corinthians 15:28; Revelation 22: 17, 20).

Third Petition — Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven

What is the third petition?⁵

Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. That is: Grant that we and all men may deny our own will, and without any murmuring obey your will, for it alone is good (Matthew 7:21; 16:24-26; Luke 22:42; Romans 12:1-2; Titus 2:11-12). Grant also that everyone may carry out the duties of his office and calling (1 Corinthians 7:17-24; Ephesians 6:5-9) as willingly and faithfully as the angels in heaven (Psalm 103:20-21).

Fourth Petition — Give us this day our daily bread

What is the fourth petition?⁶

Give us today our daily bread. That is: Provide us with all our bodily needs (Psalm 104:27-30; 145:15-16; Matthew 6:25-34) so that we may acknowledge that you are the only fountain of all good (Acts 14:17; 17:25; James 1:17), and that our care and labour, and also your gifts, cannot do us any good without your blessing (Deuteronomy 8:3; Psalm 37:16; 127:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:58). Grant, therefore, that we may withdraw our trust from all creatures and place it only in you (Psalm 55:22; 62; 146; Jeremiah 17:5-8; Hebrews 13:5-6).

Fifth Petition — And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors

What is the fifth petition?⁷

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. That is: For the sake of Christ’s blood, do not impute to us, wretched sinners, any of our transgressions, nor the evil which still clings to us (Psalm 51:1-7; 143:2; Romans 8:1; 1 John 2:1-2), as we also find this evidence of your grace in us that we are fully determined wholeheartedly to forgive our neighbour (Matthew 6:14-15; 18:21-35).

Sixth Petition — And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

What is the sixth petition?⁸

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. That is: In ourselves we are so weak that we cannot stand even for a moment (Psalm 103:14-16; John 15:1-5). Moreover, our sworn enemies – the devil (2 Corinthians 11:14; Ephesians 6:10-13; 1 Peter 5:8), the world (John 15:18-21), and our own flesh (Romans 7:23; Galatians 5:17) – do not cease to attack us. Will you, therefore, uphold and strengthen us by the power of your Holy Spirit, so that in this spiritual war (Matthew 10:19-20; 26:41; Mark 13:33; Romans 5:3-5) we may not go down to defeat, but always firmly resist our enemies, until we finally obtain the complete victory (1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 5:23).

Conclusion — For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen

How do you conclude your prayer?⁹

For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. That is: All this we ask of you because, as our King, having power over all things, you are both willing and able to give us all that is good (Romans 10:11-13; 2 Peter 2:9), and because not we but your holy name should so receive all glory Forever (Psalm 115:1; Jeremiah 33:8-9; John 14:13).

What does the word Amen mean?¹⁰

Amen means: It is true and certain. For God has much more certainly heard my prayer than I feel in my heart that I desire this of him (Isaiah 65:24; 2 Corinthians 1:20; 2 Timothy 2:13).

Please follow and like us:

1. Heidelberg Catechism (1563), Question 120.
2. Heidelberg Catechism (1563), Question 121.
3. Heidelberg Catechism (1563), Question 122.
4. Heidelberg Catechism (1563), Question 123.
5. Heidelberg Catechism (1563), Question 124.
6. Heidelberg Catechism (1563), Question 125.
7. Heidelberg Catechism (1563), Question 126.
8. Heidelberg Catechism (1563), Question 127.
9. Heidelberg Catechism (1563), Question 128.
10. Heidelberg Catechism (1563), Question 129.