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Journey Through the Bible

Matthew 6:9-13

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,

10 your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us today our daily bread.

12 Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’

A Deep Dive into Matthew 6:9-13: Meaning and Explanation

Matthew 6:9-13 is arguably one of the most significant passages in the New Testament, known widely as the Lord’s Prayer. This passage is a part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and serves as a model for how His followers should pray. By delving into its meaning and explanation, we can uncover rich spiritual guidance and principles for our lives.

Understanding Matthew 6:9-13

The Lord’s Prayer is structured as a concise and powerful guide to address God in a manner that aligns our thoughts and desires with His will. It begins with a recognition of God’s holiness and authority before transitioning into requests that mirror His priorities for humanity and the individual.

Verse-by-Verse Explanation

  1. Verse 9: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,”

    • This line invites us to acknowledge God as our loving Father who resides in heaven, emphasizing His sovereign nature. ‘Hallowed be your name’ reflects a deep reverence for His holiness, encouraging us to honor His sacred name in all we do.
  2. Verse 10: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,”

    • We are reminded to prioritize God’s kingdom and His will over our own. It calls for a transformation on earth that reflects heavenly values, urging believers to participate in His divine plan.
  3. Verse 11: “Give us today our daily bread,”

    • This verse highlights dependence on God for our daily needs, both physical and spiritual. It teaches us to live in the present, trusting God to provide what is necessary.
  4. Verse 12: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors,”

    • Forgiveness is central to Christian life. This request acknowledges our need for divine forgiveness while reminding us to extend the same grace to others.
  5. Verse 13: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

    • In this final plea, we ask for guidance and protection from moral failings and spiritual adversity, recognizing our vulnerability without God’s help.

Summary

Matthew 6:9-13, the Lord’s Prayer, offers profound instruction on how to communicate with God. It encapsulates key Christian themes such as reverence, submission to God’s will, daily reliance on His provision, forgiveness, and moral guidance. Reflecting on this prayer can help deepen our understanding of our relationship with God and enhance our spiritual walk.

Cross References for Matthew 6:9-13

Revelation 4:11 - “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all th... Click to read the verse Revelation 4:11 Click to read the verse Revelation 4:11

1 Timothy 6:16 - who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. T... Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 6:16 Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 6:16

Isaiah 64:8 - Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of yo... Click to read the verse Isaiah 64:8 Click to read the verse Isaiah 64:8

2 Chronicles 20:6 - and said: “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all ... Click to read the verse 2 Chronicles 20:6 Click to read the verse 2 Chronicles 20:6

Isaiah 63:16 - But you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us or Israel acknowledge us; you, O Lord, ... Click to read the verse Isaiah 63:16 Click to read the verse Isaiah 63:16

Malachi 1:11 - My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every pl... Click to read the verse Malachi 1:11 Click to read the verse Malachi 1:11

Isaiah 57:15 - For this is what the high and lofty One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live... Click to read the verse Isaiah 57:15 Click to read the verse Isaiah 57:15

Psalms 115:3 - Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. Click to read the verse Psalms 115:3 Click to read the verse Psalms 115:3

Matthew 7:11 - If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more ... Click to read the verse Matthew 7:11 Click to read the verse Matthew 7:11

Psalms 103:13 - As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; Click to read the verse Psalms 103:13 Click to read the verse Psalms 103:13

Romans 8:15 - For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spi... Click to read the verse Romans 8:15 Click to read the verse Romans 8:15

Matthew 26:42 - He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be tak... Click to read the verse Matthew 26:42 Click to read the verse Matthew 26:42

Revelation 5:12 - In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and ... Click to read the verse Revelation 5:12 Click to read the verse Revelation 5:12

Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise ... Click to read the verse Matthew 5:16 Click to read the verse Matthew 5:16

Leviticus 10:3 - Moses then said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke of when he said: “‘Among those who appro... Click to read the verse Leviticus 10:3 Click to read the verse Leviticus 10:3

Daniel 2:28 - but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will ... Click to read the verse Daniel 2:28 Click to read the verse Daniel 2:28

John 7:18 - He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of t... Click to read the verse John 7:18 Click to read the verse John 7:18

Matthew 6:14 - For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Click to read the verse Matthew 6:14 Click to read the verse Matthew 6:14

Psalms 135:13 - Your name, O Lord, endures forever, your renown, O Lord, through all generations. Click to read the verse Psalms 135:13 Click to read the verse Psalms 135:13

Jeremiah 31:9 - They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside strea... Click to read the verse Jeremiah 31:9 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 31:9

Ezekiel 36:23 - I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name ... Click to read the verse Ezekiel 36:23 Click to read the verse Ezekiel 36:23

Ezekiel 38:23 - And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of m... Click to read the verse Ezekiel 38:23 Click to read the verse Ezekiel 38:23

Isaiah 66:1 - Judgment and Hope This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footsto... Click to read the verse Isaiah 66:1 Click to read the verse Isaiah 66:1

Isaiah 6:3 - And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth i... Click to read the verse Isaiah 6:3 Click to read the verse Isaiah 6:3

Malachi 1:6 - “A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? ... Click to read the verse Malachi 1:6 Click to read the verse Malachi 1:6

1 Kings 9:3 - The Lord said to him: “I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecr... Click to read the verse 1 Kings 9:3 Click to read the verse 1 Kings 9:3

1 Kings 8:43 - then hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that ... Click to read the verse 1 Kings 8:43 Click to read the verse 1 Kings 8:43

Exodus 29:1 - Consecration of the Priests “This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so they may serve m... Click to read the verse Exodus 29:1 Click to read the verse Exodus 29:1

Luke 15:18 - I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven an... Click to read the verse Luke 15:18 Click to read the verse Luke 15:18

Leviticus 22:32 - Do not profane my holy name. I must be acknowledged as holy by the Israelites. I am the Lord, w... Click to read the verse Leviticus 22:32 Click to read the verse Leviticus 22:32

1 Peter 1:17 - Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers... Click to read the verse 1 Peter 1:17 Click to read the verse 1 Peter 1:17

Luke 2:14 - “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Click to read the verse Luke 2:14 Click to read the verse Luke 2:14

Matthew 26:29 - I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink ... Click to read the verse Matthew 26:29 Click to read the verse Matthew 26:29

Romans 1:7 - To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God ou... Click to read the verse Romans 1:7 Click to read the verse Romans 1:7

John 17:11 - I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. ... Click to read the verse John 17:11 Click to read the verse John 17:11

Habakkuk 2:14 - For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover t... Click to read the verse Habakkuk 2:14 Click to read the verse Habakkuk 2:14

John 16:24 - Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy wi... Click to read the verse John 16:24 Click to read the verse John 16:24

Psalms 111:9 - He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is hi... Click to read the verse Psalms 111:9 Click to read the verse Psalms 111:9

1 Chronicles 29:10 - David’s Prayer David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be... Click to read the verse 1 Chronicles 29:10 Click to read the verse 1 Chronicles 29:10

Deuteronomy 26:15 - Look down from heaven, your holy dwelling place, and bless your people Israel and the land you ... Click to read the verse Deuteronomy 26:15 Click to read the verse Deuteronomy 26:15

Nehemiah 9:5 - And the Levites—Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah and Pethahiah—... Click to read the verse Nehemiah 9:5 Click to read the verse Nehemiah 9:5

Galatians 4:6 - Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out,... Click to read the verse Galatians 4:6 Click to read the verse Galatians 4:6

Zechariah 14:9 - The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name th... Click to read the verse Zechariah 14:9 Click to read the verse Zechariah 14:9

Ecclesiastes 5:2 - Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. Go... Click to read the verse Ecclesiastes 5:2 Click to read the verse Ecclesiastes 5:2

Isaiah 37:20 - Now, O Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you ... Click to read the verse Isaiah 37:20 Click to read the verse Isaiah 37:20

Matthew 23:9 - And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Click to read the verse Matthew 23:9 Click to read the verse Matthew 23:9

Matthew 10:29 - Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from t... Click to read the verse Matthew 10:29 Click to read the verse Matthew 10:29

Matthew 6:1 - Giving to the Needy “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen b... Click to read the verse Matthew 6:1 Click to read the verse Matthew 6:1

Psalms 20:6 - Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the savin... Click to read the verse Psalms 20:6 Click to read the verse Psalms 20:6

Psalms 72:18 - Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Click to read the verse Psalms 72:18 Click to read the verse Psalms 72:18

2 Samuel 7:26 - so that your name will be great forever. Then men will say, ‘The Lord Almighty is God over Isra... Click to read the verse 2 Samuel 7:26 Click to read the verse 2 Samuel 7:26

Luke 15:21 - “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer wor... Click to read the verse Luke 15:21 Click to read the verse Luke 15:21

1 Kings 8:30 - Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this plac... Click to read the verse 1 Kings 8:30 Click to read the verse 1 Kings 8:30

2 Chronicles 6:21 - Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this pla... Click to read the verse 2 Chronicles 6:21 Click to read the verse 2 Chronicles 6:21

Psalms 123:1 - Psalm 123 A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven. Click to read the verse Psalms 123:1 Click to read the verse Psalms 123:1

Matthew 6:6 - But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Th... Click to read the verse Matthew 6:6 Click to read the verse Matthew 6:6

1 Chronicles 17:24 - so that it will be established and that your name will be great forever. Then men will say, ‘Th... Click to read the verse 1 Chronicles 17:24 Click to read the verse 1 Chronicles 17:24

Philippians 4:20 - To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Click to read the verse Philippians 4:20 Click to read the verse Philippians 4:20

Mark 14:36 - “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I... Click to read the verse Mark 14:36 Click to read the verse Mark 14:36

John 20:17 - Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my ... Click to read the verse John 20:17 Click to read the verse John 20:17

Psalms 97:6 - The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory. Click to read the verse Psalms 97:6 Click to read the verse Psalms 97:6

Ephesians 4:6 - one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Click to read the verse Ephesians 4:6 Click to read the verse Ephesians 4:6

Isaiah 29:23 - When they see among them their children, the work of my hands, they will keep my name holy; the... Click to read the verse Isaiah 29:23 Click to read the verse Isaiah 29:23

Matthew 18:14 - In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost. Click to read the verse Matthew 18:14 Click to read the verse Matthew 18:14

Matthew 5:48-1 - Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Click to read the verse Matthew 5:48-1 Click to read the verse Matthew 5:48-1

Galatians 1:1 - Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who rais... Click to read the verse Galatians 1:1 Click to read the verse Galatians 1:1

Luke 11:1-4 - Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one o... Click to read the verse Luke 11:1-4 Click to read the verse Luke 11:1-4

Galatians 1:4 - who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of ... Click to read the verse Galatians 1:4 Click to read the verse Galatians 1:4