The Proper Manner of Prayer: An Analysis of Matthew 6:9-13

The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply.

The Pattern for Prayer Across Translations

According to the King James Version (KJV), Jesus instructed: After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Providing a more contemporary perspective, the New Century Version (NCV) states: So when you pray, you should pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name always be kept holy. May your kingdom come and what you want be done, here on earth as it is in heaven. Give us the food we need for each day. Forgive us for our sins, just as we have forgiven those who sinned against us. And do not cause us to be tempted, but save us from the Evil One.’

The New International Version (NIV) clarifies the instruction: “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

The Message and Passion Interpretations

In The Message (MSG), the prayer is presented with a focus on simplicity: Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best— as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes.

Furthermore, The Passion Translation emphasizes the spiritual center of the believer: Pray like this: ‘Our Beloved Father, dwelling in the heavenly realms, may the glory of your name be the center on which our lives turn. Manifest your kingdom realm, and cause your every purpose to be fulfilled.’

Comparative Summary of Key Petitions

Below is a comparison of how different versions translate the core requests found in Matthew 6:9-13:

  • Daily Provision: "Give us this day our daily bread" (KJV) vs. "Keep us alive with three square meals" (MSG).
  • Forgiveness: "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (NASB) vs. "Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others" (MSG).
  • Spiritual Protection: "Deliver us from the evil one" (ASV) vs. "Save us from the Evil One" (NCV) vs. "Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil" (MSG).
  • The Doxology: "For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen" (NASB) vs. "You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty!" (MSG).