When I read the Lord’s Prayer carefully, two lines always stir deep questions in me. They’ve troubled me for a long time—so I decided to dig deeper and seek some real answers.
Closer Look at Matthew 6:9–13
Why does it sound like I’m demanding my “daily bread” from God?
Why would I ask God not to “lead me into temptation” — would He ever do that?
Clearly in James 1:13 it states, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man: Let’s take a closer look — and discover a richer, more beautiful meaning.
The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–14, KJV)
After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
And the power,
And the glory,
For ever. Amen.
For if ye forgive men their trespasses,
Your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
* * *
“Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread” — A Demand or a Trusting Request?
At first glance, “Give us this day our daily bread” might sound like we’re ordering God around. But that’s not what Jesus was teaching. In the original language (Greek), the phrase is not a rude demand — it’s a humble, trusting petition.
Jesus is teaching us to approach God boldly and trustingly, like children asking a loving father for what they need. It’s not arrogant; it’s confident dependence.
We aren’t grabbing for riches — we’re asking for today’s needs to be met, trusting that God cares for us daily. It’s an act of faith, humility, and deep relationship.
“Lead Us Not Into Temptation” — Is God Leading Us to Sin?
The second puzzling phrase comes in Matthew 6:13:
“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
Does this mean God might cause us to sin?
Not at all. The Bible clearly says (James 1:13) that God does not tempt anyone.
The Greek word for “temptation” (peirasmos) also means trial or testing.
Jesus is teaching us to pray something more like:
“Lord, protect us from facing trials so great that we would stumble. Keep us strong and safe.”
We are recognizing our weakness — asking God to shield us, because without His help, we could easily fall. It’s a prayer of honesty, humility, and dependence on His protection.
Final Thought:
The Lord’s Prayer isn’t a list of demands — it’s a daily declaration of trust in our gracious, merciful Father. Each line invites us to live in humble, dependent faith, knowing He is faithful to meet our needs and guard our steps.
The heart of the prayer is trust — trusting God for provision, protection, and guidance every day.
Gratitude,
Anthony B.
