New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 6:9

Treasures and Worry

So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Matthew 6:9 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 6:9, in plain English

Jesus said: pray like this. Start with 'Our Father in heaven, may Your name be honored.' Prayer begins by remembering who you're talking to: a Father who is also holy and good.

Why it's here

Notice it's 'Our' Father, not 'My' Father. Even in your private room, you're part of a family. And you start with God, not with your requests.

Who's speaking

Jesus teaches the beginning of the Lord's Prayer.

Where it sits in the story

The most famous prayer in history starts not with what we need but with who God is. That's the proper order of things.

A Closer Look

The scholar's commentary

Jesus introduces the Lord's Prayer with 'pray in this manner' (houtos proseuchesthe), providing a model pattern rather than a fixed formula. 'Our Father' (Pater hemon) establishes corporate, familial relationship with God. 'Hallowed be Your name' (hagiastheto to onoma sou) is a passive petition asking God to cause His name to be treated as holy.

Language and setting

Addressing God as 'Father' (Abba/Pater) was used in Judaism but not commonly as a direct personal address in prayer. Jesus makes it the normative way of approaching God.

Voice

Jesus, teaching His disciples to pray.

Significance

The Lord's Prayer begins with worship and God's honor, establishing that authentic prayer starts with God's glory, not human needs.

In context

Matthew 6:7–11

7And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard.

8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

9So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.

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

11Give us this day our daily bread.

Read all of Matthew 6 — Jesus redefines wealth, prayer, and anxiety in a single breath. The lilies and the birds become his unlikely teachers.

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