Luke 11:2

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.

And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, When {G3752} ye pray {G4336}, say {G3004}, Our {G2257} Father {G3962} which {G3588} art in {G1722} heaven {G3772}, Hallowed be {G37} thy {G4675} name {G3686}. Thy {G4675} kingdom {G932} come {G2064}. Thy {G4675} will {G2307} be done {G1096}, as {G5613} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}, so {G2532} in {G1909} earth {G1093}.

He said to them, “When you pray, say:

‘Father,
May your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come.

So Jesus told them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.

And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Father, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come.

Commentary

Context of Luke 11:2

Luke 11:2 is part of what is commonly known as the Disciples' Prayer or the Lord's Prayer. This verse follows a request from one of Jesus' disciples, who, after observing Jesus praying, asked Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples" (Luke 11:1). Jesus' response provides a foundational model for prayer, emphasizing reverence for God, alignment with His purposes, and dependence on Him. While similar to the longer version found in Matthew 6:9-13, Luke's account is slightly more concise, highlighting the core elements of communal and kingdom-focused prayer.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Addressing God as "Our Father": This opening phrase, "Our Father which art in heaven," establishes a profound and intimate relationship with God. The term "Father" (Greek: Pater) signifies a loving, caring, and authoritative figure, while "Our" highlights the communal aspect of prayer—believers approaching God together as His children. "Which art in heaven" reminds us of God's transcendence, majesty, and divine authority, balancing intimacy with reverence.
  • Hallowing God's Name: "Hallowed be thy name" is a prayer that God's name—representing His character, attributes, and very being—would be treated with ultimate reverence, respect, and sanctity. It is a desire that God's holiness would be recognized and honored by all, both in word and deed. It's a prayer for His glory to be magnified.
  • Praying for God's Kingdom: "Thy kingdom come" is a powerful petition for the full establishment of God's sovereign rule. This encompasses both the spiritual reign of Christ in the hearts of believers now and the future, complete manifestation of God's eternal kingdom on earth, as prophesied in scripture (e.g., Revelation 11:15). It's a prayer for righteousness, peace, and justice to prevail.
  • Praying for God's Will: "Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth" expresses a deep desire for God's perfect will to be accomplished universally. Just as God's will is perfectly obeyed and executed in heaven by angels and heavenly beings, this prayer asks for that same obedience and alignment to occur on earth. It signifies submission to God's divine plan and purpose, even when it requires personal sacrifice or understanding (compare Romans 12:2).

Significance and Application

Luke 11:2 provides a foundational framework for Christian prayer. It teaches us to begin our petitions by focusing on God's character and purposes before expressing our own needs. This structure encourages:

  • God-Centered Prayer: Prioritizing God's glory, kingdom, and will above all else.
  • Reverence and Intimacy: Approaching God as both majestic King and loving Father.
  • Kingdom Mindset: Living with an awareness of God's ongoing reign and actively seeking its advancement.
  • Submission to Divine Will: Cultivating a heart that desires God's plans over personal desires.

This verse reminds believers that prayer is not merely a list of requests but a dynamic engagement with the Almighty, aligning our hearts with His eternal purposes for the world and for our lives.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 6:6 (25 votes)

    But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

  • Matthew 6:15 (25 votes)

    But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:2 (11 votes)

    Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter [any] thing before God: for God [is] in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:6 (8 votes)

    And said, O LORD God of our fathers, [art] not thou God in heaven? and rulest [not] thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand [is there not] power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:11 (7 votes)

    ¶ Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:13 (7 votes)

    To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

  • Psalms 11:4 (7 votes)

    ¶ The LORD [is] in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne [is] in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.