The “Padre Nuestro”—known in English as the “Our Father”—is one of the most central and cherished prayers in Christianity, given to us directly by Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. It is not just a prayer; it is a model of how to communicate with God, emphasizing praise, humility, dependence, and forgiveness. As Catholics, praying the “Padre Nuestro” connects us with the words that Christ Himself taught us, offering a perfect framework for our personal and communal prayers.
The simplicity of the “Padre Nuestro” belies its profound depth. Each line of the prayer teaches a truth about our relationship with God and with one another. The prayer opens with reverence to God as “Our Father,” reminding us of His intimate and loving nature. As we continue to pray, we recognize God’s will in our lives, seek His daily provision, and ask for His mercy as we pledge to forgive others. The “Padre Nuestro” encompasses all aspects of prayer: adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, and supplication.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “This is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…” (Matthew 6:9, NABRE). With these words, He invites us to a deeper relationship with God, not as a distant creator but as a loving parent who desires to be close to His children. As Catholics, we recite the “Padre Nuestro” in the Mass, during the Rosary, and in our daily devotions, finding in its rhythm and words a constant source of grace and strength.
Whether you are seeking peace, guidance, or the grace to forgive, the “Padre Nuestro” is a timeless prayer that brings comfort and clarity. Let it be your companion in every situation, reminding you of God’s love, mercy, and ever-present help.
Padre Nuestro Prayer
Padre nuestro que estás en los cielos,
Santificado sea tu Nombre;
Venga tu Reino;
Hágase tu voluntad,
Así en la tierra como en el cielo.
Danos hoy el pan nuestro de cada día;
Perdona nuestras ofensas,
Así como nosotros perdonamos
A los que nos ofenden;
Y no nos dejes caer en la tentación,
Mas líbranos del mal.
Amén.
Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
Amen.
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10, NIV)
Declarations and Affirmations
- I trust in God’s providence and grace to guide me each day.
- I declare that God’s will shall be done in my life, bringing peace and purpose.
- I affirm that I will forgive others, as God forgives me, and walk in mercy and love.
Scriptures to Support This Prayer
Matthew 6:9-13 (NABRE):
“This is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one.”
Luke 11:2-4 (NIV):
“He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'”
Psalm 103:13 (RSVCE):
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.”
Padre Nuestro Prayer
The “Padre Nuestro” prayer is a foundational element of Christian prayer life, encompassing all aspects of our relationship with God. As you pray these sacred words, let them become a bridge to deeper intimacy with God, a way to align your heart with His will, and a source of peace in times of trial. Whether you pray it in Spanish, English, or any language, the “Padre Nuestro” is a powerful way to stay connected to God’s grace every day.
Prayer Prompt Faith Activity
Set aside time today to pray the “Padre Nuestro” slowly, meditating on each line and allowing its meaning to sink deeply into your heart. Pray it as part of the Rosary or during a quiet moment of reflection. Share this prayer with a loved one who may need the comfort of God’s love, or leave a comment below with your own prayer requests or intentions. Let us build a supportive community united in our love for God, guided by the words of the prayer that Jesus Himself taught us.