What do you think?
Rate this book
A Layman Looks at the Lord's Prayer
A fresh look at a famous prayer
“There is inherent in this prayer all the strength and compassion of our Father in heaven. There moves through it a beauty and a serenity which no mortal man can fully explain. It reassures our hearts, strengthens our resolve, and leads us into personal contact with God, our Father.”
In this moving book by “an ordinary man and a child of God,” Phillip Keller takes each phrase of the Lord's Prayer one-by-one, unfolding it in wonderful detail and sharing insights he’s gained and experiences he’s enjoyed.
Next to Psalm 23, the Lord’s Prayer is perhaps the most universally beloved passage in Scripture. It has been repeated millions of times by countless individuals for nearly 20 centuries. Yet, in spite of so much use and familiarity it has never lost its luster. A Layman’s Look at the Lord’s Prayer presents that luster in a fresh way to help you rediscover its incredible power.
Winner of the ECPA's Top Shelf Cover Award 2017
“There is inherent in this prayer all the strength and compassion of our Father in heaven. There moves through it a beauty and a serenity which no mortal man can fully explain. It reassures our hearts, strengthens our resolve, and leads us into personal contact with God, our Father.”
In this moving book by “an ordinary man and a child of God,” Phillip Keller takes each phrase of the Lord's Prayer one-by-one, unfolding it in wonderful detail and sharing insights he’s gained and experiences he’s enjoyed.
Next to Psalm 23, the Lord’s Prayer is perhaps the most universally beloved passage in Scripture. It has been repeated millions of times by countless individuals for nearly 20 centuries. Yet, in spite of so much use and familiarity it has never lost its luster. A Layman’s Look at the Lord’s Prayer presents that luster in a fresh way to help you rediscover its incredible power.
Winner of the ECPA's Top Shelf Cover Award 2017
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 1975
107 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
W. Phillip Keller
85 books127 followersWeldon Phillip Keller (1920-1997) wrote more than thirty-five books on Christian subjects, including his most popular book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 The son of missionary parents in Kenya, Keller grow up in Africa before becoming a world citizen as a photographer, agronomist, and author. His books have over two million copies in print.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 18, 2017
Not particularly impressed. Three stars just because what he says is... true. I can't knock it for being bad. In fact I agree with the basic messages of the book and I think they are important.
But that doesn't mean I enjoyed it. The writing is nothing special. He could have said many things better and he left many things unsaid. It's simple to its own detriment.
It truly is a review of the Lord's Prayer by a layman. I was disappointed; I think I went into it expecting an analysis of the Lord's Prayer by a theologian.
I received a free copy of this book while at Book Expo America in New York City in summer 2017.
But that doesn't mean I enjoyed it. The writing is nothing special. He could have said many things better and he left many things unsaid. It's simple to its own detriment.
It truly is a review of the Lord's Prayer by a layman. I was disappointed; I think I went into it expecting an analysis of the Lord's Prayer by a theologian.
I received a free copy of this book while at Book Expo America in New York City in summer 2017.
February 13, 2023
Last chapter of this book was 15 stars.
I love how Phillip Keller loves God.
I love how Phillip Keller loves God.
February 26, 2017
I enjoyed reading W. Phillip Keller's A Layman Looks at the Lord's Prayer. This is an author I've been meaning to read for over a decade. I've heard great things about his A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 and so I was excited to get the chance to review this title.
Keller goes through the Lord's Prayer line by line, or, phrase by phrase.
I would say this one is definitely leaning more towards being a devotional book than Heavy, Serious Theology. Devotional books may be abundant, but, good ones are not always so.
Keller goes through the Lord's Prayer line by line, or, phrase by phrase.
I would say this one is definitely leaning more towards being a devotional book than Heavy, Serious Theology. Devotional books may be abundant, but, good ones are not always so.
October 19, 2013
Nice small commentary on the Lords Prayer. P. Keller always on target.
December 31, 2013
Thought provoking! Do you really know what you are praying for when you say this prayer?
Read
January 25, 2025Loved it. A good book to keep and reread
October 20, 2025
I would like to give it more stars because I think the author has a lot of good insights. Unfortunately it is written from an extremely Western worldview without much respect or consideration of other cultures. Anytime the author writes of another culture there is a huge sense of superiority that really saddened me because like I said, I think there is a lot of good insights the book, but honestly I would struggle to recommend it. I worry it would make non-Western believers feel less-than, which they absolutely should not, or offended, and I worry it would just solidify Western nationalized Christianity.
June 24, 2017
A Layman Looks At The Lord's Prayer by W. Phillip Keller is a line-by-line study of the Lord's Prayer. I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting when I requested this book for review. A Bible study on the implications within the Lord's Prayer, perhaps. Or maybe a deeper understanding of how it relates to Christ and the rest of the Bible story as a whole; insight into how this piece of Scripture fits into the big picture.
Yes, both of those descriptions fit this book. However it is also so much more. Phillip has taken the Lord's Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13 and turned it into a roadmap for the ideal Christian lifestyle. He combines personal experiences, Biblical examples, and brief historical references to bring us a thorough in-depth study and review of what exactly it means to be a Christian and to pray to God in the manner in which Jesus Christ showed us.
Phillip reminds us that most people rush through the Lord's Prayer as though it is simply one more checkbox they need to check off before continuing their day. And yet, he gently rebukes us into admitting that we know it is supposed to be so much more. As with everything else in the Bible, there is a very distinct purpose and meaning behind every word. Once we embrace this purpose, it opens the pathway for our daily prayer to be so much more than just a quick plea for God's graces.
The Lord's Prayer becomes an opportunity to embrace God as our loving father, learn to honor and respect Him, follow His will so that we may lead others to His kingdom, admit out sins and faults, and so much more. This becomes the very backbone of what it means to seek God and follow Him.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a deeper understanding of the significance behind this piece of Scripture, as well as to anyone seeking a closer relationship with God on a daily basis. I did find that portions of this book may be a bit difficult for the "layman" as the title implies is the targeted audience. However, Phillip provides enough repetition during each chapter in the form of various stories, examples, and re-wordings that even if parts of the book are hard for the reader to understand, as long as they keep reading, he will quickly light a simpler path to keep them going in the right direction. 5/5 stars.
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary print copy of this book from Moody Publishers for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*
Yes, both of those descriptions fit this book. However it is also so much more. Phillip has taken the Lord's Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13 and turned it into a roadmap for the ideal Christian lifestyle. He combines personal experiences, Biblical examples, and brief historical references to bring us a thorough in-depth study and review of what exactly it means to be a Christian and to pray to God in the manner in which Jesus Christ showed us.
Phillip reminds us that most people rush through the Lord's Prayer as though it is simply one more checkbox they need to check off before continuing their day. And yet, he gently rebukes us into admitting that we know it is supposed to be so much more. As with everything else in the Bible, there is a very distinct purpose and meaning behind every word. Once we embrace this purpose, it opens the pathway for our daily prayer to be so much more than just a quick plea for God's graces.
The Lord's Prayer becomes an opportunity to embrace God as our loving father, learn to honor and respect Him, follow His will so that we may lead others to His kingdom, admit out sins and faults, and so much more. This becomes the very backbone of what it means to seek God and follow Him.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a deeper understanding of the significance behind this piece of Scripture, as well as to anyone seeking a closer relationship with God on a daily basis. I did find that portions of this book may be a bit difficult for the "layman" as the title implies is the targeted audience. However, Phillip provides enough repetition during each chapter in the form of various stories, examples, and re-wordings that even if parts of the book are hard for the reader to understand, as long as they keep reading, he will quickly light a simpler path to keep them going in the right direction. 5/5 stars.
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary print copy of this book from Moody Publishers for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*
June 8, 2017
I am very familiar with this author's book "A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23." Although this book has been out for several years, I am not familiar with it. When this new printing of it came up for review, I decided to review it, as I like reading about the Lord's Prayer.
Keller assigns a different chapter to each phrase in the prayer, coming in at 12 chapters. I like his writing style, and he brought out some thoughts I had never read or considered before. He doesn't belabor the points he makes, yet does a thorough job of getting them across. The book totals 157 pages, which shows he does manage to say a lot about this short little prayer.
I found the whole book interesting and helpful, but especially enjoyed and appreciated the chapter "Thy Will Be Done." Keller brought out some great points about God's will, and it was something I needed to read.
This was an interesting and fresh look at this prayer we have read and prayed over and over, and I definitely recommend it.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Keller assigns a different chapter to each phrase in the prayer, coming in at 12 chapters. I like his writing style, and he brought out some thoughts I had never read or considered before. He doesn't belabor the points he makes, yet does a thorough job of getting them across. The book totals 157 pages, which shows he does manage to say a lot about this short little prayer.
I found the whole book interesting and helpful, but especially enjoyed and appreciated the chapter "Thy Will Be Done." Keller brought out some great points about God's will, and it was something I needed to read.
This was an interesting and fresh look at this prayer we have read and prayed over and over, and I definitely recommend it.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 12, 2017
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Moody Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
Like many people, I am familiar with the appealing rhythm and cadence of Matthew 6:9-13 and find it a frequent area of my own personal spiritual reflection and study [1]. In this deeply insightful book, dedicated with proper affection to the author's "humble layman" father, the author writes a thoughtful study on the Lord's Prayer--using the familiar version in Matthew--and adds a great deal of context to help revitalize what can be vain repetition in the mouth of many believers. This book does such a good job that it made me greatly curious about the author's other layman's looks at various scriptures. Parts of this book have the same sort of grandeur and moving nature of, for example, Nouwen's eloquent discussion of the Parable of the Prodigal Son(s) [2], and anyone whose writing can evoke Nouwen's passionate discussion of God's paternal love for humanity is definitely doing something worthy of commendation. The author's honesty about the nature of mankind at times is bracing, but for those who are willing to view the Word of God as a mirror into our dark souls will find a great deal of insight here.
In a bit more than 150 pages, the author divides the Lord's Prayer into twelve chapters. The first chapter deals with God as our Father. Then the author turns to a discussion of the Kingdom of Heaven and the glory of life after the inauguration of the new heavens and new earth. The author then discusses the importance of reputation in the hallowing of God's name. The fourth chapter looks at the desire for God's kingdom to come, viewed in an almost amillennial way through the workings of believers in bringing people into contact with a little bit of the Kingdom of Heaven through their own lives. After that the author looks at God's will in an expansive sense, as well as the prayer that things be on earth as they are in heaven. The next three chapters tackle the subject of God providing us with our daily bread through divine providence as well as a recognition of the forgiveness of our debts that we receive from God and our solemn obligation to forgive others for their offenses against us and overcome the grudges that we have against them. The last three chapters look at God not leading us into temptation, but instead delivering us from evil, and what it means for the kingdom, power, and glory to be God's forever.
Although this book is aimed at laymen, this book is has a broader applicability. Indeed, those who are ordinary believers can grasp this book--it contains no difficult discussion of esoteric theological terms--but the book has much broader application. Indeed, this book, given the author's skill in finding relevant cross-reference material to the language of the model prayer, can serve as an inspiration to sermon speakers who can find a great deal of material in order to serve their congregations in a message or a series of messages on the subject. As a resource book that is of use for both lay members and ministry alike on a subject of widespread interest and that tackles subjects of great importance in our own spiritual lives and our struggle against sin, the corruption within ourselves, and the blandishments of Satan and his demons, this is a book that should find itself a place in many bookshelves. It has certainly earned a well-regarded place on my own crowded bookshelves.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
Like many people, I am familiar with the appealing rhythm and cadence of Matthew 6:9-13 and find it a frequent area of my own personal spiritual reflection and study [1]. In this deeply insightful book, dedicated with proper affection to the author's "humble layman" father, the author writes a thoughtful study on the Lord's Prayer--using the familiar version in Matthew--and adds a great deal of context to help revitalize what can be vain repetition in the mouth of many believers. This book does such a good job that it made me greatly curious about the author's other layman's looks at various scriptures. Parts of this book have the same sort of grandeur and moving nature of, for example, Nouwen's eloquent discussion of the Parable of the Prodigal Son(s) [2], and anyone whose writing can evoke Nouwen's passionate discussion of God's paternal love for humanity is definitely doing something worthy of commendation. The author's honesty about the nature of mankind at times is bracing, but for those who are willing to view the Word of God as a mirror into our dark souls will find a great deal of insight here.
In a bit more than 150 pages, the author divides the Lord's Prayer into twelve chapters. The first chapter deals with God as our Father. Then the author turns to a discussion of the Kingdom of Heaven and the glory of life after the inauguration of the new heavens and new earth. The author then discusses the importance of reputation in the hallowing of God's name. The fourth chapter looks at the desire for God's kingdom to come, viewed in an almost amillennial way through the workings of believers in bringing people into contact with a little bit of the Kingdom of Heaven through their own lives. After that the author looks at God's will in an expansive sense, as well as the prayer that things be on earth as they are in heaven. The next three chapters tackle the subject of God providing us with our daily bread through divine providence as well as a recognition of the forgiveness of our debts that we receive from God and our solemn obligation to forgive others for their offenses against us and overcome the grudges that we have against them. The last three chapters look at God not leading us into temptation, but instead delivering us from evil, and what it means for the kingdom, power, and glory to be God's forever.
Although this book is aimed at laymen, this book is has a broader applicability. Indeed, those who are ordinary believers can grasp this book--it contains no difficult discussion of esoteric theological terms--but the book has much broader application. Indeed, this book, given the author's skill in finding relevant cross-reference material to the language of the model prayer, can serve as an inspiration to sermon speakers who can find a great deal of material in order to serve their congregations in a message or a series of messages on the subject. As a resource book that is of use for both lay members and ministry alike on a subject of widespread interest and that tackles subjects of great importance in our own spiritual lives and our struggle against sin, the corruption within ourselves, and the blandishments of Satan and his demons, this is a book that should find itself a place in many bookshelves. It has certainly earned a well-regarded place on my own crowded bookshelves.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
August 11, 2017
This book is only 176 pages, but it has so much to think about and chew on. A Layman Looks At The Lord's Prayer takes the Lord's prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13 section by section. The writer (W. Phillip Keller) breaks down the significance of each point. This is a well known prayer, many people have it memorized. This book helps you dig deeper.
What does "father" truly mean? What or where is heaven exactly? Lead us not into temptation? Why would be lead there? This book sheds light on so much. I highly recommend it. There's no way I can only read it once, I need to read it at least one more time.
** I received this book from Moody Publishers for this review. I was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions are on my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
What does "father" truly mean? What or where is heaven exactly? Lead us not into temptation? Why would be lead there? This book sheds light on so much. I highly recommend it. There's no way I can only read it once, I need to read it at least one more time.
** I received this book from Moody Publishers for this review. I was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions are on my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 13, 2022
In Bible study this past year, we quickly studied the Lord’s Prayer and since Christ told us to pray this way, I wanted to learn more about it. The author goes through each phrase of the prayer, explaining its meaning. I’ve found I pray differently now-I try to praise Him more, remembering who He is, before I make my requests. I believe it is also significant that we are to pray for greater recognition of His will-to be more present in everyday life so we will be aware of it. This is a short, helpful book for anyone desiring a closer connection with God
October 26, 2016
A wonderful, down to earth explanation
Years ago, I read this book and am reading it again because our small group is studying the Lord's Prayer. There is so much understandable content that explains
Jesus' teaching. Excellent!
Years ago, I read this book and am reading it again because our small group is studying the Lord's Prayer. There is so much understandable content that explains
Jesus' teaching. Excellent!
July 26, 2018
Great insights and understanding of the Lord's Prayer
I found Phillip's book to be insightful and helpful in understanding the purpose and meaning of the Lord's Prayer. I would recommend it to anyone trying to understand God better and to have a meaningful prayer life.
I found Phillip's book to be insightful and helpful in understanding the purpose and meaning of the Lord's Prayer. I would recommend it to anyone trying to understand God better and to have a meaningful prayer life.
March 10, 2021
In a world where we can so easily recite this powerful pray with very little understanding of what we are actually saying, W. Phillip Keller provides an excellent opportunity to slow down, reflect and let the words Jesus taught us truly transform us.
February 25, 2022
This book was made all the more meaningful to me at this time as it was being read along side a small group study of the LORD's Prayer. This book brought some good insights and illustrations for me, bringing some areas of the prayer to life and making them more personal and powerful!
January 3, 2025
Without doubt, this is the most insightful book I’ve read about the Lord’s Prayer. The author was not a professional theologian and this seems to have made it a more accessible and understandable - even practical - work. I highly recommend it.
November 22, 2017
This is a good breakdown of the Lord's Prayer, but is more devotional in nature, laying out the author's personal views on the principles, rather than an exegesis of the passage.
November 25, 2017
Good devotional overview of the Lord's Prayer, and some good insights.
April 17, 2018
Will change my prayers. Insight on Prodigal Son, a potter, and temptation will be growing my faith, for sure!
May 28, 2019
A good devotional...useful for individual or group use.
Not as interesting as the author's "A Shepherd Looks At the 23rd Psalm"...
Not as interesting as the author's "A Shepherd Looks At the 23rd Psalm"...
June 4, 2019
Phillip Keller knocked another one out of the park with this book! This is a prayer that even non-Christians are familiar with, but very few truly understand what Jesus was saying. This book clarifies it. It is a must-read.
November 6, 2019
Kindle. Didn’t hold my attention.
November 10, 2019
Just as good as his book on Psalm 23. Highly recommend this book, and anything written by Keller.
February 19, 2020
A Thoughtful book
Read
July 7, 2023A wonderful, insightful book on this little prayer Jesus teaches us. A must read for anyone who utters the Lord's prayer. You will not look at it the same again.
April 1, 2024
Not as good as A Shepherd’s Look as Psalm 23 but very good. The chapters on Our Father who are in Heaven with reading over and over.
January 28, 2025
Great start. Then good. But it became tough for me to go through so much writing over some of the brevity of the lines. But significant prayer understanding
March 31, 2025
Would give it 2.5 stars. Was a bit wordy in places and I just did not connect with it as much as his book on Psalm 23.
July 18, 2024
As with all of Phillip Keller's books this is not overly wordy nor too deep. A neat, concise overview of the meaning of each line of the Lord's Prayer.
Keller sticks to the plain truths of the Bible and does not embellish them. He provides clarity with examples/stories that still make sense today, even though he wrote mainly in the 1970's.
If you are a person who just wants to hear the simple, basic, truths of the Word of God, you cannot go wrong reading anything he wrote!
Keller sticks to the plain truths of the Bible and does not embellish them. He provides clarity with examples/stories that still make sense today, even though he wrote mainly in the 1970's.
If you are a person who just wants to hear the simple, basic, truths of the Word of God, you cannot go wrong reading anything he wrote!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews