Every Word in the Lord's Prayer: Reflections on the Perfect Pray-er’s Perfect Prayer

by Peter Kreeft

“Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). When one of Jesus’s disciples uttered this plea, the Lord responded not with abstract methods or techniques but with something far the Lord’s Prayer. Recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, and known by its familiar opening (“Our Father”), it is the perfect prayer, given by the perfect Pray-er.

In this luminous and meditative book, beloved Catholic philosopher and author Peter Kreeft walks through the Lord’s Prayer word by word, mining its spiritual and theological depths. Kreeft follows in the footsteps of great saints like Teresa of Avila, who saw in each line of the prayer a treasure to be savored—slowly, lovingly, prayerfully.

Drawing from Scripture and a lifetime of reflection, Kreeft shows that every utterance of the Our Father brims with meaning. It is a summary of the Gospel, a path to union with God, and a guide to becoming fully alive. Whether you’re encountering this prayer for the first time or have prayed it countless times before, Every Word in the Lord’s Prayer will help you to see the words our Savior taught us with new eyes—and to pray them with a renewed heart.

168 pages, Paperback

Published June 8, 2026

About the author

Peter Kreeft is an American philosopher and prolific author of over eighty books on Christian theology, philosophy, and apologetics. A convert from Protestantism to Catholicism, his journey was shaped by his study of Church history, Gothic architecture, and Thomistic thought. He earned his BA from Calvin College, an MA and PhD from Fordham University, and pursued further studies at Yale. Since 1965, he has taught philosophy at Boston College and also at The King’s College. Kreeft is known for formulating “Twenty Arguments for the Existence of God” with Ronald K. Tacelli, featured in their Handbook of Christian Apologetics. A strong advocate for unity among Christians, he emphasizes shared belief in Christ over denominational differences.

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Every Word in the Lord’s Prayer” is another masterful work by Peter Kreeft and spiritual Catholicism. Mr. Kreeft provides a spiritual explanation and commentary on every work in the “Out Father” prayer for us a Catholics to possibly understand this prayer given to us by God a little better. This is book of our times, and I would recommend it for anyone who prays the “Our Father” regularly or intermittently. This is a must read to assist anyone in their devotions to God. Highly Recommend. (Experienced as an AUDIO book)

[Pete Kieffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

WORD FOR WORD

This is a wonderful breakdown of the Lord's Prayer. Kreeft covers the prayer in depth and with wit that makes it a delight to read. I highly recommend it.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great meditation on the Lord's Prayer.