The Our Father — The Summary of the Gospel

The Our Father, taught by Christ Himself, is the perfect prayer — "the summary of the whole gospel" (Tertullian, quoted in CCC §2761). Its seven petitions — three directed to God's glory, four expressing our needs — model how Christians pray. We address God as Father with childlike trust. We ask for daily bread, forgiveness, deliverance from evil, and the coming of His Kingdom.

Pray like this: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.'
— Matthew 6:9-10 (WEB)

Note

CCC §2759-2865. The Catechism's final pages are a line-by-line meditation on the Lord's Prayer.

Bible references

Matthew 6:9-13 · Luke 11:2-4 · Romans 8:15 · Galatians 4:6 · John 17 · 1 John 3:1