The Lord's Prayer — Thomas Watson's Guide to Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be 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 our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9–13 (ESV)

How to use this guide: Each section of the Lord's Prayer opens into Watson's teaching on what to pray about under that heading. Tap any section to expand it. Tap a verse reference to read the Scripture. Let each heading give you a full hour of prayer — Watson calls this prayer "a breviary and compendium of the gospel."

Preface

"Our Father in Heaven"

Matthew 6:9

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Watson's Explanation

God might have called himself "Our Judge" or "Our King" — terms that inspire awe. Instead, he gives himself a title that breathes mercy: Father.

The name Jehovah carries majesty in it — the name Father carries mercy in it!

We are sons of God not by creation (that would make even demons his children), but by election — chosen in Christ before the world began — and by grace — born again of the Spirit. Faith is what legitimizes us: it unites us to Christ the Son, and through that union God becomes our Father.

Faith legitimizes us and makes us of the blood-royal of heaven.

God is the best Father: ancient, perfect, wise, rich beyond measure, always giving without being impoverished, able to reform and keep his children. He loves them with the same love he has for Christ — unchangeable, unashamed.

God is ever giving to his children — and yet has not the less. His riches are imparted, not impaired; like the sun that still shines — and yet has not less light.

Signs You Can Say "Our Father"

Childlike sorrow for sin — A true child weeps over offending his Father, not merely over the consequences.
Love for God — genuine love proved by holy fear of losing his presence, delight in his Word, and love for his people.
The Spirit praying within — "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying Abba, Father." Gal 4:6
A peaceable spirit — "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matt 5:9

What "Our Father" Promises You

His smile in prosperity is love — even your daily bread is a pledge of glory.
His discipline is love — "Though God may have the look of an enemy — yet still he has the heart of a Father!" Isa 54:8
He accepts imperfect prayers — "An earthly father kindly receives a letter from his young child — though there are blots and bad spelling in it."
He gives a good inheritance — not a kingdom of this world, but an incorruptible one. Luke 12:32
He will not cast off his children — predestination ties the knot of adoption so fast that sin, death, and hell cannot break it.

Prayer Topics Under "Our Father"

Approach in confidence, not terror — "The word Father works upon God; it touches his very heart." Come boldly to a Father of mercy on a throne of grace.
Pray for assurance of adoption — Ask the Spirit to witness within that you are a child of God. Rom 8:16
Pray for childlike dependence — Cast every care on him; he will not let his children lack any good thing. 1 Pet 5:7
Submit to his discipline — "The cup which my Father has given me, shall I not drink it?" John 18:11
Behave as his child — Pray for a holy walk, that your life would match your title. "Be holy; for I am holy." 1 Pet 1:15–16
Pray with joy — "Why are you, being the king's son, so lean?" God's children should walk in joy — they are within a few hours of being crowned with glory.
Pray for family and household — "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Josh 24:15

First Petition

"Hallowed Be Your Name"

Matthew 6:9

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Watson's Explanation

This petition stands first — above bread, above forgiveness — because God's glory is the chief end of all things. When other petitions become obsolete in heaven (no bread needed, no sin to forgive), hallowing God's name will never go out of date. It is the anthem of eternity.

To hallow God's name is to set it apart from all abuses, and to use it holily and reverently — to give him high honor and veneration, to make him appear greater in the eyes of others. We can add nothing to his essential glory; but we make him appear greater.

What does it mean? God's "name" includes his essence and all his attributes — wisdom, power, holiness, goodness. To hallow it is to lift him highest in our souls, our lips, our lives, and our influence over others.

16 Ways to Hallow God's Name

How we hallow God's name ▼

By high esteem of him — Seeing a constellation of all beauties in God, adoring him in his attributes and works (creation, redemption, providence).
By trusting in him — Faith hallows his name more than martyrdom or any outward act. Unbelief "makes him a liar." Rom 4:20
By speaking reverently — His name is sacred. Swearing profanes it; carelessly using it dishonors it. "That you may fear this glorious and fearful name." Deut 28:58
By obeying him — Obedience is the homage of the soul. A child honors his father by fearing to displease him.
By being content — Discontent charges God with folly. Contentment says, "My Father knows best."
By living holy lives — "A holy life speaks louder than all anthems." When our light shines, his name shines in us. 1 Pet 2:9
By winning others — Monica labored harder in prayer for Augustine's new birth than his natural birth. Spreading piety is hallowing God's name.
By preferring God's honor above our own credit, profit, and even life — "God's crown flourishes in the ashes of his martyrs."

How God's name is dishonored (pray against these) ▼

Swearing and oaths — "Because of swearing, the land mourns." Custom is no excuse; a habit of sin is an aggravation. Jer 23:10
Hypocritical profession — Saying "Hallowed be your name" with the lips while living dishonorably.
Atheism, uncleanness, perjury, intemperance — Lives that cause the world to say, "These are God's people?"

Prayer Topics Under "Hallowed Be Your Name"

Adore God in his attributes — His holiness, wisdom, power, love, justice, mercy. Let each attribute be a theme of praise.
Confess your failure to hallow his name — Idle words, irreverence, living below your profession. "A godly man thinks it scarce worth his while to live if he may not bring some revenues of honor to God's name."
Pray for a holy tongue — That your speech would be seasoned with grace, never careless or profane.
Pray for a holy life — That your conduct would cause others to glorify God. Matt 5:16
Pray for trust — That you would glorify God by faith in hard circumstances, when it costs something to believe. "Abraham was strong in faith, giving glory to God." Rom 4:20
Pray for those under your roof — "Perfume your houses with prayer." That your family and household would honor God.
Pray for the church's witness — That God's name would not be blasphemed among unbelievers because of the failures of Christians.
Pray that God's name would be exalted in all the earth — That kings and nations would bow. "Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise." Neh 9:5

Second Petition

"Your Kingdom Come"

Matthew 6:10

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Watson's Explanation

Watson sees three kingdoms in this petition:

The kingdom of grace — God's rule in the hearts of his people now.
The kingdom of glory — heaven, the inheritance of all God's children.
The spreading of both — through the conversion of souls and the advance of the gospel.

God is a great King. His center is everywhere; he is nowhere included — yet nowhere excluded. He has the highest throne, the richest crown, the largest dominions, and the longest possession. "The Lord sits King forever." Though he has many heirs — yet no successors. — on Psalm 29:10

The Kingdom of Grace (Now)

When we pray "your kingdom come" we are praying for God to reign in hearts — our own and others'. This kingdom brings beauty, defense, peace, riches, and stability to the soul.

What the kingdom of grace does in a soul ▼

Beauty — Grace "sets off" the soul in God's eyes; it makes the king's daughter all glorious within. Ps 45:13
Defense — "The armor of light." Grace equips the soul with the shield of faith, helmet of hope, breastplate of righteousness — armor that cannot be shot through.
Peace — "The kingdom of God is righteousness and peace." The doors of Solomon's temple were carved with olive trees — emblem of peace. Rom 14:17
Spiritual riches — Rich in faith; heir to all God's promises. "Silver and gold have I none — yet I am heir to all the promises."
Stability — "O God, my heart is fixed." Before grace, the heart is a weather-vane; after grace, it points steadily toward God.

Signs the kingdom of grace has come: indwelling sin is grieved, not embraced. The soul breathes after God. The complexion of the soul is heavenly. "When I awake, I am still with you." Ps 139:18

The Kingdom of Glory (To Come)

Heaven involves freedom from all evil (no sin, pain, death, devil) and fullness of all good (vision of God, fellowship with angels and saints, glorified bodies, eternal joy).

The least glimpse of God's glory so ravishes the soul, that some saints have been so transported that they have died for joy — as a glass often breaks with the strength of the wine put into it.

All the tears in hell are not sufficient to lament the loss of heaven! For a flash of impure joy — they lost an eternal weight of glory!

Prayer Topics Under "Your Kingdom Come"

Pray for the conversion of the lost — That God's kingdom would come in hearts around you. Name specific people. Intercede for your city, nation, and the world.
Pray for the spread of the gospel — For missionaries, preachers, Bible translators. That the Word would run and be glorified. 2 Thess 3:1
Pray for God's grace to reign in your own heart — Over specific sins and lusts. That Christ would subdue every rebellion in you.
Pray against Satan's kingdom — "Your kingdom come" implies "and Satan's kingdom fall." Pray that darkness recedes and light advances.
Pray for Christ's return — The full kingdom comes at his appearing. "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Rev 22:20
Cultivate a longing for heaven — Let this petition stir up holy desire. "Set your minds on things above." Col 3:2
Fear death less; welcome glory more — "Death to the saints shall be an usher to bring them into the presence of the King of glory." The wheels of death's chariot carry you home to a kingdom. Pray for this faith.
Pray for perseverance in grace — That you would not fall short of the kingdom. "Let us therefore strive to enter that rest." Heb 4:11

Third Petition

"Your Will Be Done on Earth as in Heaven"

Matthew 6:10

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Watson's Explanation

This petition has two parts: active obedience (doing God's revealed will) and passive submission (bearing whatever God inflicts). The pattern is the angels in heaven — who obey willingly, speedily, cheerfully, and without questioning.

Knowing God's will without doing it will not crown us with eternal happiness. Many a man's knowledge is a torch to light him to hell.

The standard: "As it is in heaven." Angels obey universally (all of God's will, not selected parts), fervently (with full heart), humbly (calling themselves servants), unitedly (never at odds), and perseveringly (never tiring or defecting).

Active Obedience — Doing God's Will

Obey all of God's will — Not picking and choosing. Jehu destroyed Baal but let the golden calves stand. Partial obedience is disobedience.
Obey heartily — "They do not put hot coals to the incense; they bring their sacrifice — but not their heart. How can God like heartless service?"
Examine your life by God's will — Is your speech seasoned with grace? Is your apparel modest? Is your diet temperate? Is your behavior Christlike? 1 Tim 2:9
Obedience is wisdom and safety — Every time we left God's will for our own, misery followed (Adam, Saul). Every time we obeyed against the grain, God rewarded (Joseph, Daniel).

Passive Submission — Accepting God's Will

Watson gives ten reasons every affliction is actually kindness in disguise, to help us say "Your will be done" under suffering:

Why affliction is kindness — reasons to submit ▼

It sanctifies us — "God pours the waters of affliction upon us to whiten our souls." Heb 12:10
It humbles us — "The thorn in the flesh was to pick the bladder of pride." 2 Cor 12:7
It could be worse — "Does God chastise your body? He might torture your conscience. Does he cut you short? He might cut you off." God uses the rod when he might use the scorpion.
Others have it worse — "Was it not worse with Lazarus, who was so full of sores that the dogs took pity on him? Was it not worse with Christ, who lived poor — and died cursed?"
It is all the hell we shall have — "Lazarus had all his hell here on earth... and had a convoy of angels to carry him to heaven." God's children suffer now so they may not suffer eternally.
God supports under it — "Underneath are the everlasting arms." If he strikes with one hand, he supports with the other. Deut 33:27
It prevents worse sin — "God's people know not how much they are indebted to their afflictions. They might have fallen into some scandalous sin — had not God set a hedge of thorns in their way."
There is manna in the rod — "In the ark, the rod was laid up and manna; so with our Father's rod there is always some manna." Deut 33:24–25

Prayer Topics Under "Your Will Be Done"

Pray for obedience in your specific calling — Not vague willingness, but concrete surrender in the area you currently resist God.
Pray for cheerful obedience — Not merely doing God's will, but doing it "as angels do" — willingly, fervently, humbly.
Pray for submission in your current trial — Name it. Lay it before God. Say with Christ, "Not my will, but yours be done." Luke 22:42
Pray for blessing on obedience — Deuteronomy 28 promises showers of blessing when we walk in God's ways. Deut 28:2
Pray for family and national obedience — That God's will would be done in your household, your nation, your church — and ultimately that earth would mirror heaven.
Pray for those who suffer — Intercede for others in trials, that they too would find God's grace sufficient and say "Your will be done." 2 Cor 12:9

Fourth Petition

"Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread"

Matthew 6:11

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Watson's Explanation

Notice the order: we pray for God's glory first, then for our bread. A natural man reverses this — his bread comes first and God's glory goes wherever it will. "A worm cannot fly and sing as a lark."

Every good thing is a gift — not earned, not deserved. This humbles us. Adam's sin left us without even a crust to put in our mouths unless God gives it. "Give us" — not "let us take," not "let us earn."

The tree of mercy will not drop its fruit unless shaken by the hand of prayer.

The word "us" (not "me") teaches a public spirit — praying for others' needs, not just our own. The word "this day" teaches contentment: not a year's supply demanded, but trust renewed daily. The word "bread" teaches us to ask for necessities, not luxuries.

What We Pray For in This Petition

God's blessing on what we have — Without his blessing, a full barn is a curse. "If God withholds his blessing, what we eat would turn to bad effect and hasten death." Ps 37:3
Lawful employment and honest income — "Our bread" is bread gotten by honest industry. Pray that your work would be blessed, your hands upheld.
Health — Watson includes bodily health as something we may lawfully pray for. 3 John 2
Contentment — Covetousness is the root of perjury, apostasy, and endless discontent. Pray for Agur's prayer: neither poverty nor riches. Prov 30:8–9
The needs of others — Pray for those who lack bread. Watson rebukes those who "if they have daily bread, care not though others starve." Pray for the poor and needy.
Grace to use provision for God's glory — Pray for health so you may serve God better. Pray for prosperity so you may give more. Temporal blessings are for spiritual ends.

Prayer Topics Under "Give Us Our Daily Bread"

Begin with gratitude — "If God gives all, our eye-sight, our food, our clothing — let us sacrifice the chief praise to him." Thank God specifically before asking for more.
Pray for daily dependence — That you would not drift into self-reliance. Each day's provision renewed keeps us near to God.
If rich, pray to steward well — "What good have you done with your estate?" More provision means more account to give. Pray for generosity. Luke 16:2
If poor, pray for contentment — "A piece of bread with God's love is angels' food." The believer's daily bread comes with God's blessing — which the wicked's feasts lack.
Most of all, pray for the Bread of Life — "If we are to pray for bread, how much more for the bread of life? If to have our hunger satisfied, much more should we pray to have our souls saved." John 6:35

Fifth Petition

"Forgive Us Our Debts, as We Forgive Our Debtors"

Matthew 6:12

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Watson's Explanation

Notice: one petition for the body (bread), two for the soul (forgiveness and deliverance). Spiritual things outweigh earthly, as the sanctuary weight was double the common weight.

Sin is a debt — a debt we cannot pay. "If we could pay the debt, what need to pray 'forgive us'? We cannot say as in the parable, 'Have patience and I will pay all.' We can pay neither principal nor interest. Adam made us all bankrupts."

No denying the debt. God writes down our debts in his book of remembrance — and his book cannot be lost, nor the writing blotted out. — on Psalm 50:21

How God Forgives

Freely — Not for our tears, our repentance, our works. "Christ's blood must wash our tears." God pardons for his own name's sake. Isa 43:25
Fully — He blots out not only the cloud but the thick cloud. The mercy seat covered the whole ark — God covers all transgressions, not just some. Isa 44:22
Even the greatest sins — Paul (blasphemer, persecutor), Zacchaeus (extortioner), Mary Magdalene (seven devils), Manasseh (who made streets run with blood). "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." Isa 1:18
On the basis of faith — "Through his name whoever believes in him shall receive remission of sins." Acts 10:43
Through Christ's blood alone — "The grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant — it was exuberant, it overflowed as the Nile River." If the wound were broader than the plaster, it would dishonor Christ's blood.

God counts it a glory to forgive great sins — mercy and love ride in triumph. We must not measure God by ourselves. His mercy excels our sins as much as heaven does the earth. — on Isaiah 55:9

The Condition — Forgiving Others

"As we forgive our debtors" is not the ground of our forgiveness, but the evidence that we have received it. An unforgiving heart is proof of an unforgiven heart.

How to forgive others when it is hard ▼

Remember your own debt — "What volume can hold our errata? Our sins are more than sparks in a furnace." Who are we to refuse forgiveness?
See God's hand in the injury — "David looked higher. 'Let him alone, for the Lord has bidden him.'" Every stone his enemies threw at Stephen added a pearl to his crown in heaven.
Exercise faith — "Only faith can throw dust upon injuries — and bury them in the grave of forgetfulness." Luke 17:3–4
Get humble — "What causes so many fights and murders, but pride?" A humble soul leaves all wrongs to God. Rom 12:19

Prayer Topics Under "Forgive Us Our Debts"

Come with genuine repentance — God "seals his pardons on melting hearts." Repentance is the condition, not the cause. When God brings pardon to a broken heart, it is like a rainbow in the cloud — the soul burns with love to God.
Confess specifically — Name your sins. Don't pray in vague generalities. The debtor in the parable named the amount.
Do not despair over great sins — Judas's despair was worse than his treason. "Despair spills the cordial of Christ's blood." Come to Christ — mercy can seal your pardon.
Do not presume on mercy — "God is merciful — but also just. He will by no means clear the guilty." Long forbearance is not forgiveness. God bore with Sodom long before fire fell.
Pray for assurance of pardon — Not only forgiveness but the peace that comes with it. Pray to experience the joy of forgiveness. Ps 32:1–2
Pray for those who have wronged you — "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." Acts 7:60
Pray for those who need to repent — Intercede for the lost who carry unpardoned debt. Our life lies in pardon — pray that others would seek it.

Sixth Petition

"Lead Us Not Into Temptation, but Deliver Us from Evil"

Matthew 6:13

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Watson's Explanation — Lead Us Not into Temptation

God does not tempt anyone to sin — "He who is an encourager of holiness cannot be a pattern of sin." When we pray "lead us not into temptation" we are asking that God not allow us to be overcome by temptation.

Where temptation comes from ▼

From within — the heart — "Everyone is a Satan to himself." The heart is the greatest tempter, the perfect bait for all sin. Jas 1:14
From without — Satan — He is called the Tempter. His malice is intense, his experience ancient, his subtlety great. He attacked Christ; he will attack you. 1 Pet 5:8
From the world — Its pleasures, profits, and bad examples. "Bad examples are contagious." 1 John 2:15–16

13 Ways to Resist Temptation (Watson's List)

How to overcome temptation ▼

Mortify original sin at the root — Don't just cut the branches; "smite at the root."
Treasure God's Word in your heart — It is the sword of the Spirit. "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Ps 119:11
Avoid the occasion of sin — "He who would not eat the fruit must not come near the tree." If the eye is inflamed, the castle is in danger.
Watch your temptations — Satan is always fishing for our souls. "Most sin is committed for lack of watchfulness."
Practice temperance — Excess of food and drink opens the door wide to temptation.
Keep company with the godly — "He who walks with the wise grows wise." Bad company is the devil's seminary.
Fear God — "Fear stands as a porter at the door of the soul and keeps sin from entering. All sin is committed for lack of the fear of God."
Think of God's love — "The glories of God's beauty and the magnitude of his love, like two loadstones, draw our love to God; and if we love him, we shall not sin against him."
Think of death and judgment — "We are not so sure to lie down this night in our bed as to lie down in our grave." Eternity puts temptation in perspective.
Resist by faith — "Whom resist, steadfast in the faith. Mariners in a storm flee to their anchor." 1 Pet 5:9
Be humble — "They are nearest falling who presume on their own strength." Peter boasted he would never deny Christ — and then denied him.
Beware of covetousness — It is the inlet to countless other sins. Money is the devil's fishpond; he baits with gold.
Pray continually — "Keep back your servant from presumptuous sins." Paul besought the Lord three times against his thorn. Ps 19:13

Watson's Explanation — Deliver Us from Evil

This covers three forms of evil:

The evil of sin — including our darling/besetting sin and the sin of our hearts.
The evil one — Satan — the restless adversary who poisons with pride, lust, and strife.
The evil world — its corruption of morals, its seduction of pleasure, its scorn of holiness.

Sin is worse than affliction. Affliction reaches the body only — but sin makes the soul miserable. The soul is the most noble part. It is a diamond set in a ring of clay.

Who, to gratify a lust, would forfeit a crown!

Why sin is such a great evil (to fuel your prayer against it) ▼

Sin's origin is hell — "It is of the devil. Sin is the poison which the old serpent spit into our virgin nature." John 8:44
Sin is ungrateful — "Oh, what an ungrateful thing is sin! To bite the hand that feeds us! He gives them wit, and they serve the devil."
Sin enslaves — "A sinner is a slave when he sins most freely. Satan bids them sin, and they do it."
Sin breaks peace — "Sin puts a worm into conscience, a sting into death, a fire into hell." Charles IX could not endure to be waked without music — so full of terror was his conscience.
Sin brings hell — "Sin has shame for its companion, and death for its wages." Rom 6:23
The pleasure is momentary, the torture eternal — "The smoke of their torment ascends up forever and ever." That word — 'forever' — breaks the heart. Rev 14:11

Prayer Topics Under "Lead Us Not into Temptation / Deliver Us from Evil"

Identify and pray against your besetting sin — "The sin which a man is most unwilling to part with — is the darling sin." Name it. Pray for its mortification specifically. Heb 12:1
Pray for protection from Satan's strategies — He is most dangerous when he appears as an angel of light, flattering rather than frightening. Pray for discernment.
Pray for deliverance from an evil world — "Living in the world is like trying to keep spotless while traveling on a dirty road." Pray that the world's corruption would not stick to you. Gal 1:4
Pray for those being tempted — Intercede for believers in temptation. "A word spoken in season may relieve a soul fainting in temptation." Jas 5:16
Pray to have the right view of sin — "To depart from evil is understanding." Pray that sin would appear to you as the monstrous thing it is, so you would flee it as from a deadly serpent. Job 28:28
Pray against temporal evils — We may pray against the plots of the wicked, persecution, illness, poverty. "Save me from those who persecute me." God alone can give help from trouble. Ps 7:1
Pray for victory and give thanks when it comes — "Thanks be to God who gives us the victory!" 1 Cor 15:57
Stay vigilant after victory — Satan "departed from Christ only for a season." If the devil cannot destroy us, he will disturb us. Never grow carnally secure.

Conclusion / Doxology

"For Yours Is the Kingdom, Power, and Glory — Amen"

Matthew 6:13

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Watson's Explanation

The prayer ends as it began — with God. We open with God's name ("Our Father") and close with God's glory ("yours is the kingdom"). This is the shape of all true prayer: beginning and ending with him, not with ourselves.

Our needs may send us to prayer, nature may make us beg daily bread; but it shows a heart full of sincerity and love to God to begin with his honor and end with his praise.

"Yours is the kingdom" — God has the sovereign right to answer or withhold, to order all our circumstances as he sees fit. This gives confidence: we ask the One who actually holds all power.

"And the power" — He is able to do what he promises. Our faith rests not on our worthiness but on his omnipotence.

"And the glory" — All answers to prayer redound to God's praise, not ours. We ask in Christ's name so that God gets the glory.

"Forever. Amen." — Amen is both a wish ("So let it be!") and a faith ("It shall be so!"). End every prayer with confident trust, not anxious uncertainty.

Prayer Topics Under the Doxology

End with praise, not just requests — Watson rebukes those who are thankful to the servant and never take notice of the Master. Praise God specifically for what he has given this day.
Affirm God's sovereignty over your situation — "Yours is the kingdom." Whatever circumstances threaten you, God's throne is unshaken. Rest there.
Pray with confidence, not doubt — "Amen" is faith's seal on the prayer. "Those prayers suffer shipwreck which dash upon the rock of unbelief."
Pray for God's glory in all answers — Ask that whatever he does or withholds would serve his glory. "May your name be hallowed in this outcome."
Rest after praying — Having committed everything to the Father's kingdom, power, and glory — rest. "Cast your burden on the LORD." Ps 55:22