Bringing Heaven Here: How The Lord's Prayer Can Change Your Life and Our World

by Brad Gray, Brad Nelson (primary_contributor)

From the creators of the global television series The Sacred Thread comes a transformative exploration of how the Lord's Prayer unlocks the power of God to guide, heal, and renew our lives and the world around us.

The Lord's Prayer is the most iconic and widely spoken prayer in human history. It's not only a sacred prayer, but the very essence of the Bible's message—showing us who God is, why Jesus came, and how we fit into the unfolding story of God's redemption. Yet, familiarity often dulls the power of this profound prayer, leaving its deep meaning untapped and unlived.

Every single phrase of the Lord's Prayer is loaded with revolutionary significance for Jesus' original audience—and for us. In this book, Brad Gray and Brad Nelson draw on decades of research to unpack these words in their original historical and cultural context, revealing the bold truths that can still shake our lives today.

You'll discover how

partner with Jesus in bringing heaven here by aligning your daily actions and influence with His kingdom and will.gain wisdom to mend broken relationships and stand against the forces of evil.understand what Jesus' words meant to his original audience.gain confidence and peace from bearing God's name, goodness, and glory to the world.experience each moment as holy—as an opportunity for the life of heaven to be a part of your life now. 

We are called to actively participate in Jesus' mission to restore all things, bringing the abundance of heaven to earth. Bringing Heaven Here will unveil the hidden truths and untapped power of the world's most famous prayer—and show how it applies to your life today. Discover how to stay rooted in Him, embrace the purpose He has for you, and let the Lord's Prayer guide you into a life of true transformation.

Genres: Christian, Religion, Audiobook, Prayer, Theology

256 pages, Hardcover

Published November 25, 2025

About the author

Brad Gray is the president and CEO of Walking The Text, a nonprofit organization that creates digital media resources and study trips to Bible lands to help people understand the Bible in its original context. Brad is the cocreator and host of The Lord’s Prayer film and The Sacred Thread series, as well as the author of Make Your Mark: Getting Right What Samson Got Wrong. He has lived and traveled extensively in the Middle East and has been leading study trips since 2010. Brad is also a national speaker, communication specialist, ordained minister, and former teaching pastor with over a decade of serving in the local church. He has a business management degree from Cornerstone University (Grand Rapids, Michigan), a master of divinity from Western Theological Seminary (Holland, Michigan), and a graduate certificate from Jerusalem University College (Jerusalem, Israel). Brad and his wife, Shallon, live with their four children in the greater Nashville area.

Reviews

[Marty Solomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book by two guys who have been a great source of teaching and encouragement. I will often talk about how my own work lacks the authority to quote as a source, that my students need to go and find those who have done the work. Well, Brad and Brad are two scholars who definitely represent this kind of work.

I have often offered reviews of books about the Lord’s Prayer and have said things like, “Really? Another book about the Lord’s Prayer? Do we really need this?” And the answer is yes. Gray and Nelson do a great job showing why this isn’t just one of many teachings Jesus gave, but a central, time-tested practice for followers of Jesus. None of these books feel like they are “on repeat” and this book is yet another source to help us be inspired and find direction in the prayer Jesus taught us to pray.

This book will be full of historical and contextual insight and goodies; you will learn things from the historical Jewish world of Jesus that you hadn’t learned before. It is a provocative and challenging book — I personally felt assaulted a couple of times during this read (in the best way!). And it’s not just a book that speaks to us as individuals, but it calls to us as a people. If you’re looking to dive deeper into the Lord’s Prayer or willing to consider how it might shape you in the years to come, this is a great source to consider.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bringing Heaven Here: How The Lord's Prayer Can Change Your Life and Our World

I really liked this book!

The book takes a look at analyzing the Lord's Prayer and really brings its teachings to everyday decisions, relationships, and habits.

The two Brads really bring an accessible level of writing to this book. It was a great way to unpack the full context of the prayer, and what the original audience would have heard in that time.

I enjoyed it a lot, and learned a lot about the depth of God's character.

I highly recommend this book. Especially for those who have heard or said the Lord's Prayer, but maybe it has gone flat. If you want to reinvigorate your relationship, check this book out!

4.1/5

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bringing Heaven Here is a poignant, informative, and fresh look at a the most common prayer known to man. I love how it takes The Lord’s Prayer and breaks it down, line by line, to provide historical insights that shape the interpretation and intention behind the words. It is powerful and beautiful and challenging and encouraging. I especially enjoyed the audiobook and hearing the authors narrate their own sections and stories that shaped their writing. This is one that I will listen to more than once and will enjoy a print copy to study more in-depth.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Greg Hawod · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one felt like to me one of those books that quietly shifts how you see everyday life.It’s not preachy or heavy; instead, it reads like a gentle reminder that meaning and purpose show up in the ordinary if we learn to pay attention. It’s the kind of book that leaves you a bit calmer and a bit clearer about what really matters.

It has been a while since I listened to books with religious grounding so this is alao me looking things from Chritian perspective.

I love the narration of both authors as they sound to me like calm and full of wisdom.

[Wanda Weinhandl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative and educational book. Interesting read, perspective on religion with some great insight. Thank you Goodreads and Thomas Nelson publishing for this ARC book.