Reformed / Continental · 1563
Heidelberg Catechism for Kids
The Heidelberg Catechism written for children ages 6–12. Each question and answer uses simple, clear language while faithfully teaching the same truths as the original.
What is your only comfort (the thing that gives you hope and peace) in life and in death?
That I am not my own, but I belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He watches over me so that not even a hair can fall from my head without my Father…
How many things do you need to know to live and die happily in this comfort?
Three things: First, how great my sin and misery are. Second, how I am saved from all my sin and misery. Third, how I should be thankful to God for saving me.
How do you know about your sin and misery?
From the law of God.
What does God's law tell us to do?
Christ teaches us in Matthew 22:37–40: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and…
Can you obey all of this perfectly?
No. By nature, I am inclined by nature to hate God and my neighbor.
Did God create people to be wicked?
No! God created people good and in his image, which means in true righteousness and holiness. He made us so that we could know him, love him with all our hearts, and live with him in happiness forever, praising and honoring him.
Where did our sinful nature come from?
From the fall and disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, in the Garden of Eden. Because of what they did, our nature became so broken that we are all conceived and born in sin.
Are we so sinful that we cannot do any good at all and are drawn toward all kinds of evil?
Yes, unless we are born again by the Spirit of God.
Is it unfair for God to require things in his law that we cannot do?
No. God made people so they could obey him. But people, tricked by the devil, chose to disobey and lost these good gifts — for themselves and for all their children after them.
Will God let this disobedience and turning away from him go unpunished?
No. God is very displeased with both the sin we are born with and the sins we choose to do. He will punish them with a fair judgment, both now and forever, as he has said: "Cursed is everyone who does not obey all things written in the Book of the Law."
But isn't God also merciful?
God is indeed merciful, but he is also just. His justice means that sin against the most high God must be punished with the greatest punishment — an everlasting punishment of body and soul.
We deserve punishment that lasts forever. How can we escape it and be accepted by God again?
God requires that his justice be satisfied. So the full payment for sin must be made, either by us or by someone else.
Can we make this payment ourselves?
No, we cannot. In fact, we make our debt bigger every day.
Can any created being make this payment for us?
No. First, God will not punish another creature for the sin that people committed. Second, no created being is strong enough to carry the weight of God's eternal anger against sin and save others from it.
What kind of mediator and savior do we need?
One who is a true and righteous person, and yet more powerful than all created things — that is, one who is also true God.
Why must he be a true and perfectly good person?
He must be a true human because God's justice requires that the same human nature that sinned must pay for sin. He must be perfectly good because someone who is a sinner cannot pay for other people's sins.
Why must he also be true God?
So that by the power of his divine nature he could carry the weight of God's anger against sin in his human nature, and win back for us righteousness and life.
Who is this mediator who is both true God and a true, righteous person?
Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was given to us for complete redemption and righteousness.
How do you know this?
From the holy gospel. God first shared this good news in the Garden of Eden. Later, he had it announced by the fathers of the faith and the prophets, and pictured by the sacrifices and ceremonies of the Old Testament law. Finally, he made it come true through his only Son.
Is everyone saved through Christ, just as everyone fell into sin through Adam?
No. Only those who have true faith in Christ and receive all his gifts are saved.
What is true faith?
True faith is knowing for sure that everything God tells us in his Word is true. At the same time, it is trusting deeply that not only other people, but also I myself, have been given forgiveness of sins, righteousness that lasts forever, and salvation — all as a free gift of grace, only because of…
What must a Christian believe?
Everything that God promises us in the gospel, which the Apostles' Creed teaches us in summary.
What does the Apostles' Creed say?
I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; he was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose…
How is the Creed divided?
Into three parts: the first is about God the Father and how he made us; the second is about God the Son and how he saves us; the third is about God the Holy Spirit and how he makes us holy.
Since there is only one God, why do you speak of three: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
Because God has revealed in his Word that these three distinct persons are the one true, eternal God.
What do you believe when you say: I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?
That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who made heaven and earth and everything in them out of nothing, and who still holds them together and rules them, is my God and Father because of Christ his Son. I trust him so much that I have no doubt he will give me everything I need for body…
What do you mean by God's providence?
Providence is God's almighty and always-present power by which he holds up heaven and earth and all creatures, like holding them in his hand. He rules everything so that sunshine and rain, good times and hard times, food and drink, health and sickness, being rich and being poor — all things come to…
How does knowing about God's creation and providence help us?
We can be patient when things go wrong, thankful when things go well, and for the future we can trust that nothing will separate us from God our faithful Father's love. Everything is so completely in his hands that without his will nothing can move at all.
Why is the Son of God called Jesus, which means Savior?
Because he saves us from our sins. Salvation cannot be found in anyone else. It is pointless to look for salvation anywhere else.
Do people who look for salvation in saints, in themselves, or in other places really believe in Jesus as the only Savior?
No. Even though they say they belong to Jesus, their actions show they are rejecting the only Savior. Either Jesus is not a complete Savior, or those who truly trust this Savior have in him everything they need for salvation.
Why is he called Christ, which means Anointed One?
Because God the Father chose him and anointed him with the Holy Spirit to be our greatest prophet and teacher, who perfectly shows us God's plan to save us; our only high priest, who set us free by offering up his own body as a sacrifice, and who always speaks to the Father for us; and our eternal…
Why are you called a Christian?
Because through faith I am joined to Christ and share in his anointing. I am anointed to tell others about him, to offer my whole life to him as a thank-you, to fight against sin and the devil in this life with a clear conscience, and one day to rule with Christ over all creation forever.
Why is Jesus called God's only Son when we are also called children of God?
Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God. We are adopted children of God — adopted by grace through Christ.
Why do you call him our Lord?
Because — not with gold or silver, but with his precious blood — he has set us free from sin and from the power of the devil, and has bought us, body and soul, to be his very own.
What does it mean that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary?
That the eternal Son of God, who is and always will be true and eternal God, took on a real human nature through the Holy Spirit's work, from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary. He became a true descendant of King David, and was like us in every way except that he never sinned.
How does Jesus' holy birth help you?
He is our mediator (the one who goes between us and God), and because he is perfectly innocent and holy, he covers my sin — the sin I have had since I was born — so that God no longer sees it.
What do you mean by the word "suffered"?
That during his whole life on earth, and especially at the end, Christ carried in his body and soul God's anger against the sin of the whole human race. He did this as the only sacrifice that could take away sin, to set us free, body and soul, from being punished forever, and to win for us God's…
Why did he suffer under Pontius Pilate as judge?
So that he, though he was innocent, would be condemned by an earthly judge, and so free us from the terrible judgment of God that was hanging over us.
Does it matter that he was crucified instead of dying some other way?
Yes. His death on the cross shows me that he took the curse that was on me, because death on a cross was cursed by God.
Why did Christ have to die?
Because God's justice and truth required it. Only the death of God's Son could pay for our sin.
Why was he buried?
His burial proved that he had really died.
Since Christ died for us, why do we still have to die?
Our death does not pay for our sins. Instead, it puts an end to our sinning and is the doorway into eternal life.
What other benefit do we get from Christ's sacrifice and death on the cross?
Through Christ's death, our old sinful selves are put to death and buried with him, so that sinful desires no longer control us. Instead, we can offer our lives to him as a thankful gift.
Why does the Creed say "he descended into hell"?
To give me comfort in times of trouble and temptation. Christ my Lord suffered terrible pain and anguish in his soul, especially on the cross, so that he could rescue me from the anguish and torment of hell.
How does Christ's resurrection help us?
First, by rising from the dead he defeated death, so he could share with us the righteousness he won by dying. Second, by his power we are already raised to a new life right now. Third, Christ's resurrection is a guarantee that we too will be raised to glory.
What do you mean by "he ascended into heaven"?
That Christ, while his disciples watched, was taken up from earth to heaven and will be there for our good until he comes again to judge the living and the dead.
But isn't Christ with us until the end of the world, as he promised?
Christ is true man and true God. As a human, Christ is not on earth right now. But as God — in his power, grace, and Spirit — he is never away from us for even a moment.
If Christ's human nature is not everywhere, are his two natures separated?
No. Since God is not limited and is present everywhere, Christ's divine nature goes beyond his human nature. But his divine nature is always in and personally united with his human nature.
How does Christ going up to heaven help us?
First, he speaks to his Father in heaven for us. Second, we have our own human nature in heaven — a sure promise that Christ our head will bring us, his people, to be with him there. Third, he sends his Spirit to us on earth as a further promise. By the Spirit's power, we set our hearts on the…
Why does the Creed say "and sits at the right hand of God"?
Christ went up to heaven to show that he is the head of his church, and that the Father rules all things through him.
How does Christ's glory as our head help us?
First, through his Holy Spirit he pours out gifts from heaven on us, his people. Second, by his power he protects us and keeps us safe from all enemies.
How does it comfort you that Christ will come back to judge the living and the dead?
When I am going through hard times, I can look up to heaven and wait with confidence for the very one who already stood in my place before God and took away the whole curse from me. He will send all his and my enemies away to be punished forever. But he will take me and all his chosen people into…
What do you believe about the Holy Spirit?
First, he, together with the Father and the Son, is eternal God. Second, he has been given to me personally, so that through true faith he lets me share in Christ and all his blessings, comforts me, and will stay with me forever.
What do you believe about the holy catholic (universal) church?
I believe that the Son of God, through his Spirit and Word, gathers people from all over the world, from the beginning of time to the very end, and protects and keeps a community chosen for eternal life and united in true faith. And I am and always will be a living member of this community.
What do you mean by "the communion of saints"?
First, that all believers share in Christ and in all his treasures and gifts. Second, that each person should gladly use their gifts to serve and help the others.
What do you believe about the forgiveness of sins?
I believe that God, because of what Christ did, will never hold against me any of my sins or the sinful nature I struggle with all my life. Instead, by his grace, God gives me the righteousness of Christ so I am free from judgment forever.
How does "the resurrection of the body" comfort you?
Not only will my soul go to be with Christ right after I die, but even my body, raised by the power of Christ, will be joined with my soul again and made like Christ's glorious body.
How does "the life everlasting" comfort you?
Even now I can feel in my heart the beginning of eternal joy. After this life, I will have perfect happiness — more wonderful than anything anyone has ever seen, heard, or imagined — and I will praise God forever.
What good does it do you to believe all this?
In Christ I am right with God and an heir to life everlasting.
How are you right with God?
Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Even though I know I have broken all God's commandments and have never kept any of them perfectly, and even though I still want to do wrong, God — without me earning it at all, purely by grace, — imputed (credited) to me the perfect goodness, righteousness, and…
Why do you say that by faith alone you are right with God?
It is not because my faith is worth something that God is pleased with me. Only Christ's sacrifice, righteousness, and holiness make me right with God. And I can only receive this righteousness by faith alone.
Why can't the good things we do make us right with God, or at least help?
Because the righteousness that God accepts must be completely perfect and match his law in every way. But even the very best things we do in this life are not perfect and are stained with sin.
But doesn't God promise to reward the good we do? Doesn't that mean we earn something?
No. This reward is not something we earn. It is a gift of grace.
Doesn't this teaching make people lazy and careless about doing good?
No. It is impossible for anyone who is truly joined to Christ by faith not to produce fruits of thankfulness.
We share in Christ by faith alone. Where does that faith come from?
The Holy Spirit creates it in our hearts through the preaching of the gospel, and makes it stronger through our use of the sacraments.
What are sacraments?
Sacraments are special signs that you can see, given by God to help us understand the promise of the gospel more clearly, and to put his seal on that promise. And God's gospel promise is this: he forgives our sins and gives us eternal life by grace alone, because of Christ's one sacrifice on the…
Are God's Word and the sacraments both meant to point our faith to Christ's sacrifice on the cross as the only reason we are saved?
Yes! In the gospel the Holy Spirit teaches us, and through the sacraments he assures us, that our whole salvation rests on Christ's one sacrifice for us on the cross.
How many sacraments did Christ give us in the New Testament?
Two: baptism and the Lord's Supper.
How does baptism remind you that Christ's sacrifice on the cross is for you?
Christ set up this washing with water and promised that, just as surely as water washes dirt from your body, his blood and his Spirit wash away all the sin from your soul.
What does it mean to be washed with Christ's blood and Spirit?
To be washed with Christ's blood means that God, by grace, has forgiven my sins because Christ shed his blood for me on the cross. To be washed with Christ's Spirit means that the Holy Spirit has made me new and set me apart to belong to Christ, so that more and more I turn away from sin and live a…
Where does Christ promise that we are washed with his blood and Spirit just as surely as we are washed with baptism water?
When he says: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." And: "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." Scripture also calls baptism "the washing of rebirth" and "the…
Does the water of baptism itself wash away sins?
No. Only the blood of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit can clean us from all sins.
Then why does the Holy Spirit call baptism "the washing of rebirth" and "the washing away of sins"?
God has a good reason for these words. He wants to teach us that Christ's blood and Spirit wash away our sins just as water washes dirt from our bodies. But even more importantly, he wants to assure us — by this special sign from God — that our sins really are washed away, just as really as water…
Should babies be baptized too?
Yes. Babies as well as grown-ups belong to God's covenant and are his people. They are promised forgiveness of sin through Christ's blood and the Holy Spirit who creates faith. So by baptism, the sign of the covenant, babies should be welcomed into the Christian church and set apart from children…
How does the Lord's Supper remind you that you share in Christ's sacrifice and all his gifts?
Christ told me and all believers to eat this broken bread and drink this cup, and he gave this promise: Just as surely as I see the bread broken and the cup given to me, his body was offered and broken for me and his blood was poured out for me on the cross. And just as surely as I receive and…
What does it mean to eat Christ's body and drink his blood?
It means to believe with all your heart that Christ suffered and died for you, and so to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. It also means that through the Holy Spirit, who lives in both Christ and in us, we are joined more and more to Christ. Even though he is in heaven and we are on…
Where does Christ promise to feed believers with his body and blood as surely as they eat this bread and drink this cup?
When he says: "The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this,…
Do the bread and wine actually turn into Christ's real body and blood?
No. Just as the water of baptism does not turn into Christ's blood and does not actually wash away sins — it is simply God's sign and promise — so also the bread of the Lord's Supper does not turn into Christ's actual body, even though it is called the body of Christ, as is the way sacraments speak.
Then why does Christ call the bread his body and the cup his blood?
Christ has good reason. He wants to teach us that, just as bread and wine feed our bodies, his body and blood truly feed our souls for eternal life. Even more, he wants to assure us by this visible sign that we share in his true body and blood through the Holy Spirit, as surely as we eat and drink…
How is the Lord's Supper different from the Roman Catholic Mass?
The Lord's Supper tells us that our sins have been completely forgiven through Jesus Christ's one sacrifice on the cross, once for all. It also tells us that the Holy Spirit joins us to Christ, who in his human body is now in heaven at the right hand of the Father, where he wants us to worship him.
Who should come to the Lord's table?
Those who are sorry for their sins, but who trust that their sins are forgiven and that their weakness is covered by Christ's suffering and death. They also want to grow stronger in faith and to live a better life. But those who are not sorry for their sins and do not truly believe eat and drink…
Should people who show by their words and actions that they do not believe in God be allowed at the Lord's Supper?
No. That would dishonor God's covenant and bring his anger on the whole church. So, by the official use of the keys of the kingdom, the church must keep such people away until they change their ways.
What are the keys of the kingdom?
The preaching of the gospel and church discipline that calls people to turn from sin. Both preaching and discipline open the kingdom of heaven to believers and close it to unbelievers.
How does preaching the gospel open and close the kingdom of heaven?
As Christ commanded: The kingdom of heaven is opened when believers are told that all their sins are truly forgiven by God because of what Christ has done. The kingdom of heaven is closed when unbelievers and pretenders are told that, as long as they do not turn from their sin, God's anger and…
How is the kingdom of heaven opened and closed by church discipline?
As Christ commanded: Those who keep sinning even after being warned by other Christians are reported to the church leaders. If they still will not listen, the leaders shut them out of the church community, and God shuts them out of Christ's kingdom. But when these people truly repent and change,…
We are saved by grace through Christ without earning it. So why should we do good works?
Because Christ, who saved us with his blood, is also changing us by his Spirit to be more like him. We do good works so that with our whole lives we show God we are thankful for his gifts, so that God is praised through us, so that we can see by the fruits in our lives that our faith is real, and…
Can people who refuse to turn away from sin and be thankful to God be saved?
No. Scripture tells us that no unchaste person, no idolater, adulterer, thief, no covetous person, no drunkard, slanderer, or robber will inherit the kingdom of God.
What does true repentance (turning from sin) involve?
Two things: the dying of the old self, and the coming to life of the new self.
What is the dying of the old self?
It is being truly sorry for sin, hating it more and more, and running away from it.
What is the coming to life of the new self?
It is having real joy in God through Christ and loving to do every kind of good that God wants us to do.
What counts as truly good in God's eyes?
Only what comes from true faith, follows God's law, and is done for his glory — not what we think is right by ourselves or what is just a human tradition.
What does the Lord say in his law?
God spoke all these words: "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain. Remember the Sabbath day, to…
How are these commandments divided?
Into two groups. The first four commandments teach us how to love God. The last six commandments teach us how to love our neighbor.
What does God require in the first commandment?
That I avoid and stay away from all idolatry, magic, and superstition, and prayer to saints or other created things. That I truly know the only true God, trust him alone, look to him for every good thing with a humble and patient heart, love him, fear (have deep awe and reverence for) him, and…
What is idolatry?
Idolatry is trusting in anything instead of, or alongside, the only true God who has shown himself to us in his Word.
What does God want from us in the second commandment?
That we never try to make any image of God and that we never worship him in any way other than what he has told us in his Word.
May we make any image at all?
God cannot and should not be pictured in any way. Created things may be pictured, but God says we must not make or keep images if we plan to worship them or use them to worship God.
Can't images be used in churches to help teach people?
No. We should not try to be wiser than God. He wants his people taught by the living preaching of his Word — not by images that cannot even speak.
What does God want from us in the third commandment?
That we never misuse God's name by cursing, lying under oath, or swearing when we don't need to, and that we don't stay quiet when others do these things. We should use God's holy name only with respect and awe, so that we honor him, pray to him, and praise him in everything we do and say.
Is misusing God's name by swearing and cursing really such a serious sin that God is angry even with those who do nothing to stop it?
Yes, indeed. No sin is greater or makes God more angry than misusing his name. That is why he commanded such a severe punishment for it.
May we make a promise using God's name if we do it respectfully?
Yes, when the government requires it, or when it is necessary to uphold truth and trustworthiness for God's glory and our neighbor's good. The Bible allows such oaths and believers in both the Old and New Testament used them rightly.
May we also make promises by saints or other created things?
No. A proper oath means calling on God — who knows our hearts — to be our witness and to punish us if we lie. No created thing deserves that kind of honor.
What does God want from you in the fourth commandment?
First, that the preaching of the gospel and teaching about it continue, and that, especially on the day of rest, I regularly go to church to learn what God's Word teaches, to take part in the sacraments, to pray together with God's people, and to give offerings to help the poor. Second, that every…
What does God want from you in the fifth commandment?
That I honor, love, and be loyal to my father and mother and everyone in authority over me. That I obey them and accept their correction, and that I be patient with their weaknesses — because God has chosen to lead us through them.
What does God want from you in the sixth commandment?
I must not put down, insult, hate, or kill my neighbor — not in my thoughts, my words, my looks, or my actions — and I must not go along with others who do. Instead, I must put away all desire for revenge. I must not harm or recklessly put myself in danger either. God also gave the government the…
Does this commandment only talk about killing?
No. By forbidding murder, God teaches us that he hates the root of murder: envy, hatred, anger, and wanting to get revenge. In God's eyes, all of these are murder.
Is it enough just to not kill our neighbor?
No. By condemning envy, hatred, and anger, God tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves, to be patient, peaceful, gentle, merciful, and friendly toward them, to protect them from harm as much as we can, and to do good even to our enemies.
What does God want from us in the seventh commandment?
God forbids all sexual sin. We should hate it and, whether married or single, live pure and decent lives.
Does God forbid only the worst sexual sins in this commandment?
We are temples of the Holy Spirit, body and soul, and God wants both to be kept clean and holy. That is why he forbids anything that leads us toward impurity — whether actions, looks, words, thoughts, or desires.
What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?
He forbids not only stealing and robbery that the law punishes, but in God's sight, theft also includes cheating people with tricks that seem fair, such as lying about sizes and weights, selling dishonestly, using fake money, or charging too much interest. He also forbids all greed and wasting the…
What does God require of you in this commandment?
That I do whatever I can for my neighbor's good, that I treat others the way I want to be treated, and that I work hard so I can share with those in need.
What does the ninth commandment require?
That I never lie about anyone, twist anyone's words, gossip, or help condemn someone unfairly. Instead, I should avoid all lies and tricks — these are tools the devil uses, and they bring God's strong anger. I should love the truth, speak it openly, and admit it honestly. And I should do what I can…
What does the tenth commandment require?
That not even the smallest thought or desire against any of God's commandments should ever come into my heart. Instead, with all my heart I should always hate sin and love what is right.
Can people who have turned to God obey these commandments perfectly?
No. In this life, even the holiest people have only a small beginning of this obedience. But they seriously try to live by all of God's commandments, not just some of them.
Since nobody can perfectly obey the Ten Commandments in this life, why does God want them taught so strongly?
First, so that the longer we live, the more we see our sinfulness and eagerly look to Christ for forgiveness and righteousness. Second, so that while we pray for the grace of the Holy Spirit, we never stop trying to become more and more like God, until after this life we reach our goal: perfection.
Why do Christians need to pray?
Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness God asks of us. And because God gives his grace and Holy Spirit only to those who keep praying and asking God for these gifts and thanking him for them.
How does God want us to pray so that he will listen?
First, we must pray from the heart to the one true God only, asking for what he has told us to ask for. Second, we must honestly admit our needs and not hide anything, coming humbly before our great God. Third, we must trust this solid promise: even though we don't deserve it, God will surely hear…
What has God told us to pray for?
Everything we need for our souls and our bodies, as summed up in the prayer that Christ our Lord taught us himself.
What is this prayer?
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. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom and the…
Why did Christ tell us to call God "our Father"?
Right at the start of our prayer, Christ wants to fill our hearts with the childlike awe and trust that a child has for a parent. Through Christ, God has become our Father. And just as our parents give us what we need, even more will our Father in heaven give us what we ask for in faith.
Why the words "in heaven"?
These words remind us not to think of God as something earthly, but to expect everything we need for body and soul from his almighty power.
What does the first request mean?
"Hallowed be your name" means: Help us to truly know you, to worship and praise you for everything you do — your power, wisdom, kindness, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Help us to live in such a way that your name is never dishonored because of us, but is always honored and praised.
What does the second request mean?
"Your kingdom come" means: Rule us by your Word and Spirit so that more and more we follow you. Keep your church strong and help it grow. Destroy the devil's work and every power that fights against you and your Word. Do this until your kingdom is complete and perfect, and you are all in all.
What does the third request mean?
"Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" means: Help us and all people to say no to our own selfish wishes and to obey your will instead, because your will alone is good. Help all of us to do the work you have given us as willingly and faithfully as the angels do in heaven.
What does the fourth request mean?
"Give us today our daily bread" means: Please take care of all our physical needs so we learn that you are the only source of everything good. Neither our hard work nor your gifts can help us without your blessing. Help us to stop trusting in other things and to put our trust in you alone.
What does the fifth request mean?
"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" means: Because of Christ's blood, please do not hold any of our sins against us — we are poor sinners, and evil always clings to us. And forgive us, just as we are determined to forgive other people, showing that your grace is working in…
What does the sixth request mean?
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" means: On our own, we are too weak to stand even for a moment. Our enemies — the devil, the world, and our own sinful desires — never stop attacking us. So, Lord, hold us up and make us strong by the power of your Holy Spirit, so…
What does the ending of this prayer mean?
"For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever" means: We pray all these things to you because, as our all-powerful king, you not only want to give us all that is good but are able to do it. And all praise should go to your holy name, not to us, forever and ever.
What does the little word "Amen" mean?
"Amen" means: This is sure to be! It is even more certain that God hears my prayer than that I truly want what I am praying for.