Get the appUnderstanding the Original Context of the Lord’s PrayerSample
Literary Context
Biblical authors often communicated powerful messages not just with the words they used, but with how those words were arranged. Understanding the literary context of a passage—things like genre, design, who, what, when and where—can unlock profound insights.
In Western culture, we tend to save the best for last—the grand finale at a fireworks show or the final scene of a movie. But the Bible often does the opposite, placing the most important material at the center like a literary sandwich. And that’s exactly what Matthew does with the Sermon on the Mount.
The Sermon itself is arranged into three broad sections: an introduction (Matthew 5:1-16), a body (Matthew 5:17-7:12), and a conclusion (Matthew 7:13-29). Zoom in closer, and you’ll see that the body also divides into three parts: righteousness toward Torah (Matthew 5:17-48), righteousness toward God (Matthew 6:1-18), and righteousness in everyday living (Matthew 6:19-7:12). Then zoom in even closer, and the section on righteousness toward God divides again into three practices: giving (Matthew 6:1-4), prayer (Matthew 6:5-15), and fasting (Matthew 6:16-18).
And right at the center of the center of the center—what do we find? The Lord’s Prayer.
Matthew is doing everything in his written power to shout: “Look here! This is the heart and soul of it all!” Zoom in one final time, and at the very center of the Lord’s Prayer itself we find the heartbeat of it all: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
That’s not just literary design. It’s a lifeline. Because if we’re honest, most of us live on the edges—pulled by distractions, anxieties, and responsibilities that leave us wondering what matters most. Matthew’s structure reminds us there is a center, and it’s not us. It’s God’s kingdom breaking into the world.
Practice: Today, slow down and pray the words at the center of the prayer: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Say them three times. First, imagine your home. Then your work. Then your community. What might it look like for you to partner with God to bring heaven here in these places today?
Scripture
About this Plan
The Lord’s Prayer is the most well-known prayer in human history—but that familiarity can work against us. We assume we already know what it means, and in doing so, we miss the depth and power Jesus intended. In this six-day plan, you’ll rediscover the prayer through six lenses of context—history, geography, culture, language, literary design, and visual backgrounds—that open up its original meaning. As you explore these dimensions, you’ll see how this ancient prayer is not just words to recite but an invitation to step into Jesus’ mission of bringing heaven to earth.
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