“One of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray…’ So He told them, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be Your name…’” — Luke 11:1–2 (BSB)
“For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” — Romans 8:15–16 (BSB)
“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” — James 4:3 (BSB)
The Lord’s Prayer corrects our pride, selfishness, and confusion about prayer. It keeps us from merely asking for worldly comforts and instead teaches us to seek first God’s glory, holiness, and will. It reminds us that we are part of a family—we pray “our Father”—and that our prayers should reflect love for both God and neighbor. This prayer shapes our entire Christian life.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “The Lord’s Prayer is Christ’s answer to the question, ‘What does it mean to pray as a Christian?’ It gives us the language of the Kingdom and the posture of a child before the Father.”
Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) explains, “Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer to form our hearts. It is not merely a formula to recite but a framework for communion, submission, and daily trust.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer includes the Lord’s Prayer at the heart of all major services, teaching Christians to pray it often and meaningfully. Its repetition throughout Morning and Evening Prayer, Holy Communion, and Baptism helps ingrain the pattern and spirit of Christlike prayer into every believer.
J.C. Ryle wrote, “No prayer ever penned is so full, so simple, and yet so deep. Our Lord gave it that we might learn not only what to pray, but how to pray—with reverence, brevity, and faith.” (Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, 1865)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “The Lord’s Prayer is a disciple’s daily guide and compass. It re-centers us on the Father, the Kingdom, and the life to which we are called.”
Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer to draw us into the life of God—teaching us to speak with our Father, to trust His goodness, and to live by His will.
St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200–258 AD): “He who gave us life taught us how to pray. What prayer could be more pleasing to the Father than the one spoken by the Son?” — On the Lord’s Prayer, 1
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “Jesus gave us this prayer to purify our petitions, to correct our motives, and to lead us into perfect trust in the Father’s love.” — Homily on Matthew, 19
St. Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335–395 AD): “By these words, Christ teaches us not only how to ask, but how to live—submitting to the Father, trusting in His care, and walking in His holiness.” — On the Lord’s Prayer, 2
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
PO Box 873
Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
