“Pray like this.”

“Our Father in heaven,”

We do not begin with a distant power, but with a Father. Jesus teaches us to come as beloved children—together, not alone.

“may your name be kept holy.”

Before asking for anything, we turn our attention toward God himself. Prayer begins in worship: may all that we are honor his name.

“Let your Kingdom come.”

We ask for the reign of God to break into every shadow—to set things right in the world, and first of all in us.

“Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

This is surrender without fear. We loosen our grip and trust the wisdom and goodness of the Father, whose will is perfectly done in heaven.

“Give us today our daily bread.”

Today’s need is enough to bring to him. We receive our lives one day at a time, trusting the Father who knows what his children need.

“Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.”

We live by mercy, never by our own perfection. The grace we receive is not held tightly; it passes through us toward those who owe us.

“Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

We confess that we cannot keep ourselves by strength alone. We ask our Father to guide our steps, guard our hearts, and rescue us from evil.

“For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.”

The prayer ends where all prayer belongs: in praise. The Kingdom is his, the power is his, and the glory will always be his. Amen—let it be so.