“Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread; 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, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.”
Matt 6:9-13
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Order of Contents
Intro
Early & Medieval Church 3
Shorter Works 16+
Longer Works 43+
Lord’s Prayer in Song 1
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Introduction
Do you derive satisfaction and help from every phrase of the Lord’s Prayer? Pray this perfect pattern of prayer from our Lord with renewed fullness and greater comprehension for you and yours by delving into these expositions of the Lord’s Prayer.
For the new-born Christian and the doctrinally astute, learn theology regarding the Fatherhood of God, the Kingdom of God, God’s providence in every day affairs, the same over evil and temptation and glory in the attributes of our God and the heaven that He has prepared for us. Next, teach your children the meaning of every prayerful petition of this building block of the Christian life, and remember to never pray it without a simple, child-like spirit in faith.
Right now the collection is mainly from the Puritan era, if the Lord spares us, we will add more from other periods as well. For more expositions, see Bible commentaries on Matt 6:9-13.
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The Early & Medieval Church
Cyprian – A Sermon of S. Cyprian made on the Lord’s Prayer, the Paternoster d. 258
Cyprian (200-258) was the Bishop of Carthage and was considered the pre-eminent Latin writer of Western Christianity until Jerome and Augustine.
Chrysostom, John – ‘Homily 19 on Matt 6’ d. 407 8 pp., from The Homilies of Chrysostom on the Gospel of Matthew, A Library of Fathers of the Holy Catholic Church, pp. 292-300
‘Golden-mouthed’ Chrysostom (349-407) was born in Antioch and became the Archbishop of Constantinople. He has preserved homilies on most of the New Testament.
Augustine – ‘On the Lord’s Prayer’ d. 430 14 paragraphs
Dionysius Syrus – An Exposition of the Lord’s Prayer in A Clear & Learned Explication of the History of our Blessed Savior Jesus Christ, Taken out of Above Thirty Greek, Syriac, and Other Oriental Authors, by Way of Catena (Dublin [1695])
Dionysius Syrus, or Jacob Bar-Salibi, was an Assyrian metropolitan bishop and the best-known and most prolific writer in the Syriac Orthodox Church of the twelfth century.
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Shorter Works – 1500’s
Viret, Pierre – A Notable Collection of Diverse and sundry places of the Sacred Scriptures which make to the Declaration of the Lord’s Prayer, commonly called the Pater Noster (London, 1548)
Lever, Thomas – A Meditation upon the Lord’s Prayer 1551 8 pp.
Gau, John – The Pater Noster [‘Our Father’] †1553 18 pp., from his The Right Way to the Kingdom of Heaven, pp. 82-100
Gau was an early Scottish Lutheran before the Reformation of 1560.
Bradford, John – Writings, vol. 1 d. 1555 English reformer and martyr
A Meditation of the Lord’s Prayer 21 pp.
A Paraphrase upon the Lord’s Prayer 5 pp.
Bull, Henry – Christian Prayers and Holy Meditations d. 1557
A Meditation upon the Lord’s Prayer pp. 9-41
Another Meditation upon the Lord’s Prayer pp. 41-44
Bull (†1577) was an English Protestant theological writer, now remembered as an ally of John Foxe (remembered for Foxe’s Book of Martyrs) in documenting the history of his times.
Becon, Thomas – The Lord’s Prayer, Called the Pater Noster d. 1567 5 pp. in Catechism English reformer
Finch, Henry – A Short Explication of the Lord’s Prayer 1589 19 pp., from his The Sacred Doctrine of Divinity gathered out of the Word of God, Together with an Explication of the Lord’s Prayer
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Shorter Works – 1600’s 10+
Craig, John
‘The Lord’s Prayer’ d. 1600 7 pp., from A Short Sum of the Whole Catechism, The Third Part of God’s Honor, of Prayer in General, no page numbers
Craig (1512-1600) was a Scottish minister alongside John Knox. Craig was responsible for drawing up the National Covenant of 1581.
Meditations upon the Lord’s Prayer d. 1600 32 paragraphs, in his The Mother and the Child, A short catechism, or brief sum of Religion, gathered out of Mr. Craig’s Catechism, for the fitting of little children, for the public ministry. With short, very comfortable and fruitful meditations on the Lord’s Prayer
Horne, Robert – ‘A Short Exposition of the Lord’s Prayer, in Questions and Answers’ 1617 10 pp., from his Points of Instruction for the Ignorant as also, an Exposition on the Ten Commandments, and the Lord’s Prayer, by questions and answers. With an examination before our coming to the Lord’s table. And a short direction for spending of time well
Mayer, John – ‘Concerning Prayer’ 1623 79 pp., from his The English Catechism Explained, pp. 412-491
Mayer was English and reformed. He was perhaps best known for his commentary on the entire Bible.
Boys, John – The Pater Noster 1629 3 pp. in Works, pp. 2-4
Twisse, William – Catechism concerning the Lord’s Prayer 1632 10 pp. in his A Brief Catechetical Exposition of Christian Doctrine Divided into four catechisms
Palmer, Herbert – Questions and Answers tending to Explain the Lord’s Prayer 1644 6 pp. in An Endeavor of making the Principles of Christian Religion, namely the Creed, the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Sacraments, Plain and Easy, pp. 32-38
Baxter, Richard
A Brief Explication of the Method of the Lord’s Prayer 1673 2 pp. from his A Christian Directory, or, A sum of Practical Theology and cases of conscience
A Shorter Prayer for the Morning, in the Method of the Lord’s Prayer, being but an Exposition of it 1674 4 pp. from the appendix to his The Poor Man’s Family Book
Wilson, Grindal – A Plain Exposition of the Lord’s Prayer, and a Prayer according to the Exposition 1684
Bralesford, Humphrey – ‘The Lord’s Prayer Expounded in a Prayer’ 1689 4 pp., from his The Poor Man’s Help, being, I. An abridgement of Bishop Pearson on the Creed; II. A short exposition of the Lord’s Prayer, III. The Ten Commandments explained
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Shorter Works – 1700’s
Henry, Matthew – Questions 99-107 d. 1714 9 pp., in Scripture Catechism, The Catechism of the Westminster Assembly of Divines with Scriptural Questions and Answers pp. 105-114
Chandler, Samuel – A Short and Plain Catechism. Being an explication of the Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord’s Prayer 1752 30 pp.
De Ronde, Lambertus – ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ 1763 6 pp., from his A System Containing the Principles of the Christian Religion, suitable to the Heidelberg Catechism, pp. 168-174
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Longer Works – 1500’s 7
Erasmus, Desiderius – A Devout Treatise upon the ‘Pater Noster’ 1526
Latimer, Hugh – 7 Sermons on the Lord’s Prayer in Sermons d. 1555
Calvin, John – ‘A Perfect Form of Invocation, or an Exposition of the Lord’s Prayer‘ d. 1564 23 pp., being from his Institutes, Book 3, Chapter 20, Sections 34-50, pp. 502-525
Cranmer, Thomas – An Instruction of Prayer d. 1566 53 pp. in A Short Instruction into Christian Religion, pp. 128-181 English reformer
Becon, Thomas – ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ d. 1567 55 pp., in his The Catechism of Thomas Becon, pp. 143-198
Becon (1511-1567) was a reformer of the English Church.
Knewstub, John – Lectures 15-17 in Lectures of John Knewstub, upon the Twentieth Chapter of Exodus, & Certain other places of Scripture ([London] 1577)
Knewstub was a moderate puritan, presbyterian, a follower of Thomas Cartwright and was proposed to succeed William Whitaker.
Babington, Gervase – A Profitable Exposition of the Lord’s Prayer, by way of questions and answers for most plaines together with many fruitful applications to the life and soul, as well for the terror of the dull and dead, as for the sweet comfort of the tender hearted 1588 582 pp.
Ursinus, Zacharias – ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ 1591 36 pp., in his Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism 1591 pp. 624-660
Perkins, William – An Exposition of the Lord’s Prayer in the Way of Catechism 1593
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Longer Works – 1600’s 25+
Clapham, Henoch – An Explication of the Lord’s Prayer 1602 22 pp., from his A Tract of Prayer
Clapham (1585-1614) was a puritan.
Broughton, Hugh – An Exposition upon the Lord’s Prayer, compared with the Decalogue, as it was preached in a sermon, with a postscript, to advertise of an error in all those that leave out the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer 1603 34 pp.
Dent, Arthur – A Learned and Fruitful Exposition upon the Lord’s Prayer d. 1607
Smith, John – An Exposition on the Lord’s Prayer, d. 1616 142 pp., it comes after p. 147 in Essex Dove, presenting the World with a few of her Olive Branches: or, A Taste of the Works of Mr. John Smith, delivered in three several treatises: 1. His grounds of religion, 2. An exposition on the Lord’s Prayer, 3. A treatise of repentance d. 1616
Burton, William – An Exposition of the Lord’s Prayer made in divers lectures, and now drawn into questions and answers for the greater benefit of the simpler sort: whereunto is prefixed a brief treatise of prayer for all men 1616 215 pp.
Gouge, William – A Guide to Go to God: or, An Explanation of the Perfect Pattern of Prayer, the Lord’s Prayer 1626 340 pp.
Andrewes, Lancelot d. 1626
The Lord’s Prayer Analyzed 52 pp., from his Holy Devotions, with Directions to Pray also, a Brief Exposition upon the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, the Ten Commandments, the Seven Penitential Psalms, the Seven Psalms of thanksgiving
Ball, John – ‘An Exposition of the Lord’s Prayer’ 1631 22 pp. from his A Short Treatise containing all the Principal Grounds of Christian Religion, by way of questions and answers, pp. 169-191
Dod, John – A Plaine and Familiar Exposition on the Lord’s Prayer 1634 212 pp.
Downame, George – The Doctrine of Practical Praying together with a Learned Exposition on the Lord’s Prayer (d. 1634; London, 1656) 431 pp.
Baker, Richard – Meditations and disquisitions upon the Lord’s Prayer (1638) 450 pp.
Fenner, William – ‘Of the Lord’s Prayer’ d. 1640 40 p., being p. 66-106 of his The Spiritual Man’s Directory, Guiding a Christian in the Path that leads to true Blessedness in his three main Duties towards God: How To Believe, To Obey and to Pray; Unfolding the Creed, the Ten Commandments, and The Lord’s Prayer d. 1640
Ball, John – Bk. 6, ‘An Exposition upon the Lord’s Prayer’ in The Power of Godliness, both doctrinally & practically handled, wherein the nature, comprehensiveness, parts & properties of a godly life are discovered by Scripture-evidence, and authority… (d. 1640; London, 1657), pp. 390-506
Hooker, Thomas – A Brief Exposition of the Lord’s Prayer 1645 90 pp.
Ussher, James – ‘Of the Lord’s Prayer in Particular’ 1645 38 pp., being ch. 35 of his A Body of Divinity, or the Sum and Substance of the Christian Religion Buy pp. 421-459
Leigh, Edward – ‘Of the Lord’s Prayer’ 1654 17 pp., being the 8th Book, Ch. 6 of his A System or Body of Divinity, pp. 637-654
Ames, William – ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ 1659 37 pages, being pp. 270-307 from his The Substance of Christian Religion: Or, A Plain and Easy Draught of the Christian Catechism in 52 Lectures
Wither, George – Meditations upon the Lord’s Prayer with a Preparatory Preamble to the Right Understanding, and true use of this Pattern 1665 190 pp.
Annand, William – Pater Noster, ‘Our Father’, or, The Lord’s Prayer Explained, the sense thereof and duties therein from Scripture, History, and Fathers, methodically cleared and succinctly opened 1670 477 pp.
Annand (1633-1689) was a reformed Anglican.
Lye, Thomas – ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ 1674 in The Assembly’s Shorter Catechism Drawn out into Distinct Propositions, and proved by plain and pertinent texts of Scripture at large with short rules of direction for masters of families… Buy
Alleine, Joseph – Questions 97-105 1674 13 pp., in A Most Familiar Explanation of the Assembly’s Shorter Catechism wherein their Larger Answers are Broken into Lesser Parcels, thereby to let in the light by degrees into the minds of the learners, pp. 146-159
Manton, Thomas – A Practical Exposition of the Lord’s Prayer d. 1677 525 pp.
Vincent, Thomas – ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ d. 1678 10 pp., being questions 99-107 of his Commentary on the Shorter Catechism, pp. 260-270
Nicholson, William – ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ 1678 20 pp., from his A Plain, but Full Exposition of the Catechism of the Church of England, pp. 142-162
Nicholson was a reformed Anglican.
Leighton, Robert – ‘An Exposition of the Lord’s Prayer’ d. 1684 87 pp., in his Expositions on the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments pp. 49-138
Watson, Thomas – ‘Of the Lord’s Prayer’ d. 1686 224 pp., from his Body of Divinity, pp. 381-605
Flavel, John – ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ 1688 30 pp., being questions 99-107 in his An Exposition of the Assembly’s Catechism, with practical inferences, pp. 202-232
Hopkins, Ezekiel – An Exposition on the Lord’s Prayer 1690 329 pp.
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Longer Works – 1700’s 10
à Brakel, Wilhelmus – ‘The Lord’s Prayer, Explained and Applied’ 1700 22 pp., in The Christian’s Reasonable Service, vol. 3 Buy pp. 483-505
Doolittle, Thomas – ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ 1707 in A Complete Body of Practical Divinity; being a new improvement of the Assembly’s Catechism Buy
Witsius, Herman – Sacred Dissertations on the Lord’s Prayer 1708 420 pp.
Beveridge, William – ‘After this manner, therefore, pray ye…’ d. 1708 29 pp., from his Thesaurus of Theology: A Complete System of Divinity Summed up in Brief Notes upon Select Places of the Old and New Testament, vol. 2
Beveridge was a reformed, bishop in the Church of England (this is not the same Beveridge that translated Calvin’s Institutes).
Willard, Samuel – ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ d. 1707 16 pp., being sermons 245-246 in A Complete Body of Divinity in 250 Expository Lectures on the assembly’s Shorter Catechism, pp. 898-914
Willard was a New England puritan.
Edwards, John – ‘A Treatise upon the Lord’s Prayer’, in Theologia Reformata, or the Body and Substance of the Christian Religion, comprised in distinct discourses or treatises upon The Apostles’ Creed, The Lord’s Prayer and the Ten Commandments, vol. 2 d. 1716
John Edwards (1637–1716) was a reformed Anglican, the son of Thomas Edwards, who wrote the famed book ‘Gangraena’ in the 1640’s.
Vanderkemp, John – ‘The Address of Prayer’ 1718 104 pp., being from his The Christian Entirely the Property of Christ in Life and Death; exhibited in fifty-three sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism, vol. 2, pp. 413-517
Boston, Thomas – ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ d. 1732 103 pp., from his A Complete Body of Divinity upon the Shorter Catechism (Edinburgh, 1796), vol. 3, pp. 384-487
Boston was a minister in the Church of Scotland.
Ridgley, Thomas –‘The Lord’s Prayer’ d. 1734 76 pp., from his A Body of Divinity, vol. 2, pp. 590-666
These were sermons preached through the Larger Catechism. Ridgley was a reformed Anglican.
Brown, John, of Haddington – ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ d. 1787 18 pp., from his An Essay Towards an Easy, Plain, Practical, and Extensive Explication of the Assembly’s Shorter Catechism Buy pp. 350-368
Brown was a minister of the Secession Church of Scotland.
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Longer Works – 1800’s 2
Winslow, Octavius – The Lord’s Prayer: Its Spirit and Teaching 1866 394 pp.
Saphir, Adolph – The Lord’s Prayer: Lectures 1872 430 pp.
Saphir was of the Free Church of Scotland.
“Fervent messages which expound the text and edify the reader. Frequent digressions into matters of theological importance make fascinating reading.” – Cyril J. Barber
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The Lord’s Prayer in Song
Anonymous, A Divine Descant Full of Consolation fitting a Soul Plunged in Desolation, 1620
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Related Pages
The Fatherhood of God over All People by Creation