The Lord's Prayer appears in two slightly different forms in the New Testament, specifically in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:1-4. The differences between these two versions reflect the unique contexts and emphases of each Gospel. Here are the primary differences:

The Lord's Prayer appears in two slightly different forms in the New Testament, specifically in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:1-4. The differences between these two versions reflect the unique contexts and emphases of each Gospel. Here are the primary differences:

Number of Petitions:

Matthew 6:9-13: Contains six petitions.

Luke 11:1-4: Contains five petitions.

Wording and Structure:

Matthew 6:9-13:

"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 debts, as we forgive our debtors"

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil"

Some manuscripts add a doxology: "For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen."

Luke 11:1-4:

"Father"

"Hallowed be Thy name"

"Thy kingdom come"

"Give us each day our daily bread"

"And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us"

"And lead us not into temptation"

Context and Purpose:

Matthew's Version: Part of the Sermon on the Mount, addressing a broader audience and emphasizing a comprehensive guide for righteous living.

Luke's Version: Presented in response to a specific request from Jesus' disciples asking Him to teach them how to pray, emphasizing a more concise and immediate instructional format.

Additional Petition in Matthew:

Matthew includes the petition "Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven," which is absent in Luke's version.

Forgiveness:

Matthew: "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."

Luke: "And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us."

Bread:

Matthew: "Give us this day our daily bread."

Luke: "Give us each day our daily bread."

The differences highlight the particular emphases of each Gospel writer, with Matthew providing a fuller, more liturgical version and Luke offering a more concise version suitable for immediate instructional purposes.