Pater Noster

The prayer Jesus taught His disciples (Matthew 6:9–13).

The Our Father, or Lord’s Prayer, is the prayer Jesus himself taught his disciples when they asked him how to pray. It is the model of all Christian prayer and the most widely known prayer in the world.

The Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

About This Prayer

Jesus gave this prayer to his disciples as recorded in Matthew 6:9–13 and Luke 11:2–4. The Catechism of the Catholic Church calls it ‘the summary of the whole gospel’ (CCC 2761). It is prayed at every Mass and is the backbone of Catholic daily prayer.

How to pray the Our Father slowly

Imagine someone coming home after a difficult day. Before asking for anything, they sit with a parent who loves them. Begin this prayer with that same trust. Pause at “Our Father,” remembering that you pray with the whole Church, not only for yourself.

Pray one line at a time. Thank God for what you have received. Bring him today’s needs, and ask for the grace to forgive. If your mind wanders, gently return to the next line. You do not need strong feelings to pray sincerely.

Why is the ending different at Mass?

In personal prayer, Catholics normally end the Our Father with “Amen.” At Mass in the Roman Rite, the priest first continues with a prayer asking for deliverance from evil and peace. The people then acclaim God’s kingdom, power and glory. This is why the ending sounds different from the prayer said at home.

Read more: Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2759–2760. Continue with the Hail Mary, or explore our Catholic prayers.