After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Christ does not bind you to these exact words, but He points you to what you must actually desire and ask. He has given us six petitions that contain all lawful prayer, and without such direction our wishes go astray. The rule concerns the things themselves, not mere syllables.
AI summary
Because we are ignorant of what to pray as we ought, Christ puts words into our mouths. The form can be used as a prayer itself, though it also serves as a summary of what our prayers should contain. Use it with understanding, not vain repetition.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 6:9-15
This is a pattern and directory, not an iron form you must recite unchanged. The evangelists give it in different words, and the disciples never used it as a fixed formula. You are free to pray in these words or similar ones, according to the manner Christ approves.
AI summary