Using the Words of Martin Luther’s 1529 Small Catechism Explanations to Each Petition; adapted from the 1929 Intersynodical Translation
Martin Luther 1483-1546
OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN.
Our heavenly Father, you tenderly encourage us to believe that you are truly our Father and that we are truly your children. Give us the faith to believe this, so that we may boldly and confidently come to you in prayer, even as beloved children come to their dear father.
HALLOWED BE THY NAME.
Holy God, your name is indeed holy in itself, but we pray that it may be hallowed among us. Grant that your Word may be taught in its truth and purity among us, and that we may honor your name by living holy lives in accordance with that Word. Preserve us from false teachings, and keep us from profaning your name by living lives contrary to your Word and command.
THY KINGDOM COME.
Heavenly Father, we pray that your kingdom may come to us. Send to us your Holy Spirit, so that by your grace we may believe your Word, and live a godly life here on earth and in heaven forever.
THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.
Your good and gracious will is done indeed without our prayer, but we pray, O Lord, that it may also be done among us. Almighty God, we pray that you destroy and bring to naught every evil scheme and purpose of the devil, the world, and our own flesh, which would hinder us from hallowing your name or prevent the coming of your Kingdom. Strengthen us and keep us steadfast in your Word, even unto our end.
GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD.
Gracious God, you give daily bread to all people, even to the wicked, without our prayer. We pray that we may have the faith to always remember that everything we have is from your hand, so that we may receive all things with thanksgiving. You have given us everything that is needed to satisfy our daily needs, including food and clothing, house and home, fields and flocks, money and goods, family and friends, good government, seasonable weather, peace and health, order and honor, good neighbors, and the like. We give you thanks.
AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US.
We pray, Lord, that you would not regard our sins nor because of them deny our prayers, for we neither merit nor are worthy of those things for which we pray. By your mercy, we pray that you grant us all things through grace, even though we sin daily and deserve nothing but punishment. And certainly we, on our part, will heartily forgive, and gladly do good to those who may sin against us.
AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION.
Good Lord, we know that you tempt no one to sin. But we pray in this petition that you would so guard and preserve us that the devil, the world, and our own flesh may not deceive us, and lead us into error and unbelief, despair, and other great and shameful sins. And we pray that even when we are so tempted, we may finally prevail and gain the victory.
BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
Heavenly Father, we pray that you would deliver us from all manner of evil, whether it affect body or soul, property or reputation; and, at last, when the hour of death shall come, grant us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this world of sorrow to yourself in heaven.
FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM, AND THE POWER, AND THE GLORY, FOR EVER AND EVER.
We can be assured, Lord, that these petitions are acceptable to you and are heard by you, because you yourself have commanded us to pray in this manner, and have promised to hear us. We pray in the name of the One who taught us this prayer, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
AMEN.
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Matthew 6:6-9 — (Jesus said), “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven…”
Luke 11:1-2 — Now it came to pass, as (Jesus) was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…”
Colossians 4:2 — Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
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O Lord, we know not what is good for us. Thou knowest what it is. For it we pray. AMEN.
–Prayer of the Khonds in North India