New Testament
Luke 11:2
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He told them, "When you pray, say: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.'
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And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
What Luke 11:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus teaches his followers how to pray, emphasizing the importance of addressing God as 'Our Father' to acknowledge a personal relationship with Him. The phrase 'hallowed be your name' expresses reverence and respect for God's holiness. By asking for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, believers are encouraged to seek God's reign and purpose in their lives. This prayer serves as a model, highlighting the need for humility, submission, and a desire for God's plans to unfold in the world. It reflects a communal aspect of prayer, as it begins with 'Our Father,' indicating that believers are part of a larger family of faith. Overall, this teaching underscores the significance of prayer in aligning oneself with God's desires and acknowledging His sovereignty.
How to apply Luke 11:2 to your life
When praying, remember to approach God with respect and a desire for His will. Use this model to guide your prayers, focusing on honoring God and seeking His guidance in your life and the world around you.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Plain Meaning
A disciple asked Jesus to teach them to pray. Jesus gave them a pattern to follow. It opens by addressing God as Father and asking that His name be treated as holy. Then come two requests: that God's kingdom would come, and that His will would be done on earth the same way it is done in heaven. These are not requests for small personal needs — they are requests about God's rule and purpose being established.
Read It in Context
One of Jesus's disciples had watched Him pray and then asked Him to teach them how to pray, just as John had taught his own disciples. Jesus responded with this pattern. Verses 3 and 4 continue it with requests for daily bread, forgiveness, and protection.
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 'Our Father in heaven' mean in Luke 11:2?
In Luke 11:2, 'Our Father in heaven' signifies a personal relationship with God, emphasizing His role as a loving and caring parent. It invites believers to approach God with intimacy and trust, acknowledging His authority and presence in heaven. This phrase sets the tone for prayer, reminding us that we are part of a larger family of faith and that God is both close and transcendent.
Why is it important to say 'hallowed be your name'?
Saying 'hallowed be your name' in prayer is crucial because it expresses deep reverence and respect for God's holiness. It acknowledges that God's name represents His character and nature, which are perfect and worthy of honor. This phrase serves as a reminder for believers to approach God with humility and to prioritize His glory in their prayers and lives.
How can I apply 'Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven' in my life?
Applying 'Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven' means seeking to align your desires and actions with God's plans. In your daily life, you can pray for guidance, make decisions that reflect His values, and be open to His leading. This phrase encourages you to trust in God's sovereignty and to actively participate in bringing about His kingdom through love, service, and obedience.
How does Luke 11:2 relate to community in faith?
Luke 11:2 emphasizes community in faith through the use of 'Our Father,' which highlights that believers are part of a larger spiritual family. This communal aspect encourages unity in prayer, as individuals come together to seek God's will collectively. It reminds us that prayer is not just a personal endeavor but a shared experience that strengthens the bonds within the faith community.
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