The modern day version of the Lord’s Prayer is:

“Out Father, who is in heaven; hallowed by 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 for our transgressions; as we forgive those who have transgressed against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For your is the kingdom, the power and the glory now and forever.”

What is the origin of this prayer?  When I was growing up in the Catholic Church, it was never clear to me.  It wasn’t until I found Matthew 6 that I discovered it’s true origin and meaning.  Read Matthew 6:2-11.  Here we see Jesus instructing His disciples in wisdom & correct living.  Jesus instructs His disciples in how to be humble and not concerned with things of “self”.  Matthew 6 is a continuation of Matthew 5 where we see Jesus teching on the correct way to pray.  Think of that!  The people of God asking how to pray.  And, imagine the honor of being taught by the Son of God!  You see, prayer is the communication channel through which the Christian speaks with God.  It is the way that we receive God’s council and blessing and it is the medium through which we achieve closeness with Jesus Christ.

Jesus says: “And when you pray, do not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen.  I say to you, they already have their reward.  But when you praye, enter into your closet (quiet play), and when you have shut the door, pray to your Father in secret.”

It is at this time that Jesus Christ recites the Lord’s Prayer.  How beautiful!

I encourage you to read the previous chapters of Matthew where we see Jesus speaking further on hoe selfless people of God do not seek God for themselves, but for the glory of the Heavenly Father.