Prayer

A Verse-by-Verse Breakdown of the Lord’s Prayer

Walk through Matthew 6:9-13 phrase by phrase, observing what Jesus explicitly teaches and applying His prayer pattern without turning it into empty repetition.

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Key Scriptures (KJV)

Read each passage in its surrounding chapter as you study.

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
Matthew 6:9

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:10

“Give us this day our daily bread.”
Matthew 6:11

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
Matthew 6:12

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”
Matthew 6:13

Study the Word

What the passages teach

Each section separates the text’s direct teaching from explanation and personal response.

Part 1

The setting: “After this manner therefore pray ye”

Matthew 6:5-8; Luke 11:1-4

Scripture says

Jesus warns against prayer performed to impress people and against vain repetition intended to gain a hearing through many words. He then says to pray “after this manner.”

Understanding

The prayer may be prayed as written, and it also supplies a pattern. Jesus condemns empty repetition, not sincere repeated prayer; He Himself repeated a request in Matthew 26:44.

Apply it

Pray to the Father rather than to an audience. Use this prayer to order your desires, not as words spoken without attention.

Part 2

Verse 9: “Our Father which art in heaven”

Matthew 6:9; John 1:12; Romans 8:15

Scripture says

Jesus teaches His disciples to address God as “our Father” and to remember that He is in heaven. Scripture connects becoming God’s children with receiving Christ.

Understanding

“Father” invites trust and relationship; “in heaven” preserves reverence and recognizes God’s sovereign majesty. “Our” also keeps prayer from becoming entirely self-centered.

Apply it

Approach through Christ with childlike confidence, reverence, and concern for God’s people beyond yourself.

Part 3

Verse 9: “Hallowed be thy name”

Matthew 6:9; Ezekiel 36:22-23; 1 Peter 1:15-16

Scripture says

To hallow is to treat as holy. God promises to sanctify His great name, and He commands His people to be holy.

Understanding

The request asks that God’s name be recognized and honored as holy—in the world and in the conduct of those who bear His name.

Apply it

Praise God for who He is, and ask whether your words and choices honor or misrepresent Him.

Part 4

Verse 10: “Thy kingdom come”

Matthew 6:10, 33; Matthew 12:28; Revelation 11:15

Scripture says

Jesus commands prayer for the Father’s kingdom. He also says to seek the kingdom first, identifies His Spirit-empowered works with its arrival, and promises its final triumph.

Understanding

We pray for God’s saving rule to advance now and for Christ’s reign to be openly completed.

Apply it

Ask God to rule your life, save others, strengthen His church, defeat evil, and hasten the day of Christ’s uncontested reign.

Part 5

Verse 10: “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven”

Matthew 6:10; Psalm 103:20-21; Matthew 26:39

Scripture says

Jesus directs prayer toward the Father’s will. Heaven’s loyal servants do His commandments, and Jesus Himself submits His human desire to the Father.

Understanding

The words ask for sincere obedience on earth and surrender the outcome of our requests to God’s wisdom.

Apply it

Name your request honestly, then offer your plans and actions to God: “not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

Part 6

Verse 11: “Give us this day our daily bread”

Matthew 6:11, 25-34; Proverbs 30:8-9; Philippians 4:19

Scripture says

Jesus teaches prayer for daily provision and later tells His disciples not to be anxious about food and clothing. Proverbs asks for food convenient for the day.

Understanding

“Bread” directly names food and reasonably represents ordinary needs. The request teaches daily dependence rather than self-sufficient anxiety.

Apply it

Bring practical needs to God, receive provision with thanks, work faithfully, and remember the “us” by sharing with those in need.

Part 7

Verse 12: “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”

Matthew 6:12, 14-15; Matthew 18:21-35; 1 John 1:9

Scripture says

Jesus explains immediately that His disciples must forgive others. Scripture promises forgiveness and cleansing to those who confess their sins.

Understanding

“Debts” refers here to sins, as Luke 11:4 makes explicit. Our forgiveness does not purchase God’s grace; an unforgiving posture contradicts the mercy a disciple asks to receive.

Apply it

Confess specific sin, receive God’s mercy through Christ, and take a truthful, wise step toward releasing personal vengeance. Forgiveness does not require pretending abuse is safe or removing just boundaries.

Part 8

Verse 13: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”

Matthew 6:13; Matthew 26:41; James 1:13-14; 1 Corinthians 10:13

Scripture says

Jesus teaches prayer for protection. James says God does not tempt people with evil; Jesus tells disciples to watch and pray so they do not enter temptation.

Understanding

The request asks God to guide us away from overpowering trial and rescue us from evil, including the devil’s schemes described elsewhere in Scripture.

Apply it

Ask for protection, then watch, flee known occasions of sin, use the escape God provides, and seek help from faithful believers.

Part 9

Verse 13: “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory”

Matthew 6:13; 1 Chronicles 29:11-13; Revelation 5:13

Scripture says

The KJV includes this closing praise, ascribing kingdom, power, and glory to the Father for ever. Similar praise appears in David’s prayer and heavenly worship.

Understanding

The prayer ends where it began—with God’s rule and honor. Our needs sit inside confidence that the Father is able and worthy.

Apply it

Close prayer with worship and trust, remembering that the answer and the glory belong to God.

Reflect together

Discussion questions

How does the order of Jesus’ prayer challenge the order of my usual requests?
Which phrase most needs to reshape my prayer life right now?
Is there someone I need to forgive while also keeping truthful and wise boundaries?
How can “our” and “us” broaden my prayer beyond my own needs?

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