The Lord’s Prayer, also commonly referred to as the Our Father or Pater Noster, is perhaps the most famous prayer in Christianity. It was taught by Jesus to his disciples as part of the Sermon on the Mount and has been a staple of Christian worship and devotion ever since.
There are two primary versions of the Lord’s Prayer found in the Bible: the version in Matthew 6:9-13 and the version in Luke 11:2-4. While the two versions share many similarities and convey the same overall message, there are some notable differences between them as well. Understanding the distinctions between the Matthean and Lukan versions provides valuable insights into the prayer’s meaning and origins.
In this article, we will examine the key similarities and differences between the Matthean and Lukan versions of the Lord’s Prayer. We will look at the wording and structure of each, analyze the distinctive theological emphases of each, and discuss how the two versions may relate to one another historically. This analysis will provide a deeper appreciation for the richness and nuance contained within this profound prayer that Jesus taught his followers.
The Matthean Version (Matthew 6:9-13)
Let’s begin by looking at the Matthean version of the Lord’s Prayer, found in Matthew 6:9-13 (NRSV):
“Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.”
This version contains seven petitions or requests to God and is structured in two primary sections.
The first section (verses 9-10) focuses on the glorification of God and the coming of His kingdom. It begins with an invocation acknowledging God’s fatherhood and heavenly dwelling: “Our Father in heaven.” This is followed by three petitions:
1. “Hallowed be your name” – May your name be honored and sanctified.
2. “Your kingdom come” – May your reign and rule be established on earth.
3. “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” – May your purposes be accomplished here, just as they are in heaven.
The second section (verses 11-13) contains four petitions related to the needs and concerns of God’s people. These requests progress from physical needs to spiritual ones:
1. “Give us this day our daily bread” – Provide for our basic material needs.
2. “Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors” – Pardon our moral offenses just as we pardon those who have wronged us.
3. “And do not bring us to the time of trial” – Spare us from being tested beyond our endurance.
4. “But rescue us from the evil one” – Deliver us from the attacks of the devil.
So in summary, the Matthean version contains seven petitions structured around the dual themes of God’s glory and the needs of God’s people. It emphasizes reverence for God’s name, desire for His kingdom, dependence on God for provision, need for forgiveness, and reliance on divine protection and deliverance.
The Lukan Version (Luke 11:2-4)
The Lukan version of the Lord’s Prayer, found in Luke 11:2-4 (NRSV), reads as follows:
“Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
And do not bring us to the time of trial.”
Compared to the Matthean version, the Lukan version is shorter and more compact, containing only five petitions. The structure is simpler, without the clear two-part breakdown seen in Matthew.
The first two petitions in Luke are identical to the Matthean version: acknowledging God’s holiness and pleading for His kingdom to come. The third petition is also essentially the same request for daily provision.
However, the fourth and fifth petitions are noticeably different. Instead of debts/debtors, Luke uses the language of sins/forgiveness. And the elaboration about rescue from evil is absent. The Lukan version’s concluding petitions are thus:
3. “Give us each day our daily bread” – Provide for our basic material needs.
4. “And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us” – Pardon our moral offenses just as we pardon others.
5. “And do not bring us to the time of trial” – Spare us from being tested beyond our endurance.
So in Luke’s gospel, the prayer contains five more streamlined petitions focusing on honoring God, dependence on Him, and desire for forgiveness and spiritual protection. The language is a bit more direct than in Matthew.
Comparing the Two Versions
Now let’s summarize the main similarities and differences between the Matthean and Lukan versions of the Lord’s Prayer:
Similarities
– Both contain an opening address to “Father”
– Both contain the petitions “hallowed be your name” and “your kingdom come”
– Both ask for daily bread/sustenance
– Both ask for forgiveness from God
– Both ask to be spared from testing
Differences
| Matthew 6:9-13 | Luke 11:2-4 |
|---|---|
| 7 petitions total | 5 petitions total |
| “Our Father in heaven” | Only “Father” |
| Forgive our “debts” | Forgive our “sins” |
| Mentions evil one/protection | No mention of evil one |
As we can see, while the two versions share a common framework, there are noticeable variations in length, wording, and theological emphasis. Now we will explore some of the historical and interpretive implications of these similarities and differences.
Theological Emphases
The Matthean and Lukan versions of the Lord’s Prayer each contain distinctive theological accents, flowing from the differences outlined above. Here are some of the core emphases of each version:
Matthew’s Theological Emphases
– God’s holiness and transcendence
– A greater eschatological orientation (God’s coming kingdom)
– Concern for material provisions and forgiveness
– Deliverance from evil and spiritual warfare
Luke’s Theological Emphases
– God’s fatherly intimacy
– More focus on daily sustenance and forgiveness
– Hope for forgiveness and mercy rather than deliverance
Matthew’s version has a transcendent tone, with its lengthy petitions and doxological conclusion stressing God’s glory, kingdom, and power over evil. Luke’s version is more intimate, emphasizing God’s fatherly care and the believer’s dependence.
Historical Relationship Between the Two Accounts
Scholars have proposed various theories regarding the historical relationship between Matthew and Luke’s account of the Lord’s Prayer and how it was passed down:
The Two-Source Theory
Many argue Matthew and Luke drew independently from two separate sources – the hypothetical Q source containing Jesus’ teachings and the Gospel of Mark. This suggests Jesus likely taught the Lord’s Prayer in different forms on multiple occasions.
Luke Abbreviates Matthew
Others propose that Luke’s shorter version is simply an abbreviation of Matthew’s, the original that fully captures Jesus’ instructions. Luke shortened it for Gentile audiences.
Matthew’s Version is an Expansion
Some scholars believe Matthew’s version represents a later liturgical expansion of an original version similar to Luke’s. The early church gradually appended petitionsto Jesus’ more primitive prayer.
While each theory has its merits, there are good reasons to think Jesus taught similar prayers on different occasions, which could account for the similarities and differences. However, we cannot know with certainty the exact relationship between the two accounts.
Usage in Christian Worship and Devotion
Despite some differences, both versions of the Lord’s Prayer continue to be deeply significant in Christian worship and spiritual formation. The prayer is recited in church services, used in personal prayer and meditation, and memorized by children and new believers as an introduction to speaking with and relating to God.
Some specific examples of its usage include:
Liturgical Recitations
– The Lord’s Prayer is recited communally in Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and many Protestant worship services.
– It is often preceded by a variant of the prayer “Our Father who art in heaven…”
– Both Matthew and Luke’s versions are widely used liturgically.
Private Devotions
– Christians frequently incorporate the Lord’s Prayer into their personal prayer life and meditations.
– Along with the psalms, it is one of the most commonly prayed texts in Christian history.
– The compactness of Luke’s version makes it easy to memorize and recite.
Catechetical Tool
– Memorizing and reciting the Lord’s Prayer is often one of the first faith practices taught to children.
– Catechisms and discipleship programs emphasize its petitions and profound theological significance.
– It functions to teach new believers the Christian posture toward God and priorities in prayer.
So in both corporate and personal contexts, the Lord’s Prayer serves as a channel to connect with God and highlight key Christian convictions and values.
Conclusion
While differing in certain details, the Matthean and Lukan versions of the Lord’s Prayer have both served as foundational texts for Christian spirituality over the centuries. They complement each other in emphasizing God’s transcendence and immanence, humanity’s absolute dependence on Him, the need for forgiveness, and the hope of ultimate deliverance from evil.
Studying the similarities and differences provides insight into Jesus’ teachings on prayer, the transmission and development of gospel traditions, and the rich textures of early Christian theology. Above all, these prayers remind believers of our relationship to God as loving Father and of the gift of being able to approach Him with praise, needs, and confidence through Christ. Their incredible legacy will continue to shape and sustain Christian faith across the world.