Pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
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
This prayer is unequalled for beauty and comprehensiveness, showing you what petitions are proper to present to God. Christ gives it as a model to express the substance of prayer, not a rigid form you must parrot always. The evidence shows He and His disciples prayed often in other language.
AI summary
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