Luke 11:2

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

Study Bible

So He said to them
This phrase introduces Jesus' direct instruction to His disciples. The context here is crucial; Jesus is responding to a request from His disciples to teach them how to pray, as John taught his disciples. This highlights the importance of prayer in the life of a believer and the desire of the disciples to learn from Jesus, the Master Teacher. The Greek word for "said" (εἶπεν, eipen) indicates a definitive and authoritative instruction, emphasizing the importance of what follows.

When you pray
The phrase "when you pray" implies that prayer is an expected and regular part of a believer's life. The Greek word for "when" (ὅταν, hotan) suggests a habitual action, not a conditional one. This indicates that prayer is not optional but a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. It is a direct line of communication with God, reflecting a relationship that is both personal and communal.

say
The word "say" (λέγετε, legete) is a command, indicating that the words Jesus is about to provide are not merely suggestions but a model for prayer. This underscores the importance of the content and structure of prayer, as taught by Jesus. It is a directive to speak these words with intention and understanding, reflecting the heart's posture before God.

Father
The term "Father" (Πάτερ, Pater) is deeply significant, reflecting an intimate and personal relationship with God. In the Jewish context, addressing God as "Father" was revolutionary, emphasizing a close, familial relationship rather than a distant, impersonal deity. This term invites believers into a relationship of trust, love, and dependence, recognizing God as the source of life and authority.

hallowed be Your name
The phrase "hallowed be Your name" (ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου, hagiasthetō to onoma sou) is a declaration of reverence and holiness. "Hallowed" means to sanctify or set apart as holy. This reflects the believer's acknowledgment of God's sacredness and the desire for His name to be honored and revered above all. It is a call to live in a way that reflects God's holiness and to proclaim His glory in the world.

Your kingdom come
"Your kingdom come" (ἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου, elthetō hē basileia sou) is a petition for God's sovereign rule to be established on earth as it is in heaven. This reflects a longing for the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate realization of His divine plan. It is a prayer for justice, peace, and righteousness to prevail, aligning the believer's heart with God's purposes and anticipating the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples how to pray. This reflects His role as a teacher and spiritual guide.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching. They are learners and followers of Jesus, seeking to understand how to communicate with God.

3. Prayer
The event or practice being taught. Jesus is providing a model for prayer, emphasizing the importance of addressing God with reverence and seeking His will.

Teaching Points

Reverence in Prayer
Jesus begins the prayer with "Father," indicating a personal relationship, yet follows with "hallowed be Your name," showing reverence. Our prayers should balance intimacy with respect.

Focus on God's Kingdom
The request for God's kingdom to come reflects a desire for God's rule and reign to be established on earth. This should be a central focus in our prayers and lives.

Model for Prayer
Jesus provides a framework for prayer, not just words to recite. This model encourages us to prioritize God's holiness and His will in our communication with Him.

Understanding God's Fatherhood
Addressing God as "Father" highlights His care and authority. Recognizing God as our Father can transform our approach to prayer and our understanding of His nature.

Alignment with God's Will
Praying for God's kingdom to come aligns our desires with His purposes. This teaches us to seek His will above our own in every aspect of life.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does addressing God as "Father" influence your personal prayer life and relationship with Him?

2. In what ways can you incorporate the reverence for God's name into your daily prayers and actions?

3. How does the concept of God's kingdom coming impact your priorities and decisions in life?

4. Compare the Lord's Prayer in Luke 11:2 with Matthew 6:9-13. What additional insights do you gain from the differences and similarities?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought God's will in a challenging situation. How did aligning your desires with His kingdom purpose affect the outcome?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 6:9-13
This passage contains a parallel account of the Lord's Prayer, providing additional context and details about Jesus' teaching on prayer.

Isaiah 6:3
This verse highlights the holiness of God's name, connecting to the phrase "hallowed be Your name" and emphasizing the reverence due to God.

Revelation 11:15
This verse speaks of the coming of God's kingdom, aligning with the prayer for God's kingdom to come, as taught by Jesus.