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Teach Us to Pray: The Lord's Prayer in the Early Church and Today
The Lord’s Prayer is one of the oldest and most widely used short summaries not only of how Christians pray but of what they believe about God, the world, and humankind. Justo González, whose textbooks have taught Christian doctrine and history to thousands of pastors, draws on scripture, the Church Fathers, and his own life experience to make this vital prayer from the Christian past comprehensible for readers who want to understand—and live—Christianity in the present. Teach Us to Pray is for all who are learning or practicing Christian discipleship and ministry, from college students and motivated laypeople to veteran pastors and teachers.
185 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2020
26 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Justo L. González
157 books190 followersJusto L. González, author of the highly praised three-volume History of Christian Thought and other major works, attended United Seminary in Cuba, received his MA at Yale, and was the youngest person to be awarded a PhD in historical theology at Yale. He is one of the few first generation Latino theologians to come from a Protestant background. He helped to found the Association for Hispanic Theological Education and the Hispanic Theological Initiative. Dr González is now on the faculty of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 10, 2021
Once again, Justo Gonzalez has managed to take a familiar (even well-worn) text and show me what was there all along, hiding in plain sight. His reading of the Lord's Prayer requires more of those who pray -- as we commit ourselves to recognizing fellow Christians, committing ourselves to the sanctification of God's name through our very lives, surrendering our own wills, sharing our resources, recognizing our weaknesses, and celebrating God's ultimate rule. When we sign off on this prayer with our "Amen," our work is only just beginning.
April 24, 2021
Good reflections on the Lord's prayer. Loved the blend of patristics (Augustine, Chrysostom, Tertullian, Cyprian, Gregory of Nyssa) with González's own insights. A couple of eye opening moments in the book, particularly the distinction between a true "priesthood of *all* believers" versus the individualistic "priesthood of *each* believer." Also, the recognition that in the ancient world, a "father" (paterfamilias) was supreme even in matters of religion, so to call *God* Father (together with this new family) was a radical and revolutionary move. I enjoyed reading this with my devotions.
July 24, 2020
For most of my life, I've recited the Lord's Prayer in Worship. While it can seem at times to be what some call vain repetition, it has great meaning for so many. It speaks to the central concerns of life and sets us into a proper frame of mind and heart. Years ago I offered a sermon series in which I broke down each element and later turned that into a book -- Ultimate Allegiance: The Subversive Nature of the Lord's Prayer. In that book, I suggest that the prayer serves as a pledge of allegiance to God. Of course, it is much more nuanced than that.
In Teach Us To Pray, Justo Gonzalez, a well known and respected church historian, offers us another take on the prayer. It is designed to be used in a group study, as signified by the study guide that can e found at the end of the book. While very readable and accessible, it also takes us places we might not always go -- that is to the interpretations of early Christian theologians such as Tertullian, Cyprian, and Origen.
While there is a trend to set the prayer aside because it could become formulaic, Gonzalez both acknowledges that trend, why it might occur, and offers us a reason to make it the center of Christian spirituality. in doing so, he notes that the charge that it can become formulaic is not new. Cyprian faced this charge in the mid-3rd century, and offered a response suggesting that we should "pray as God our Teacher has taught us" (p. 3). One thing that Gonzalez reveals is that in the early church, these words were so sacred that they appear not to be taught until the very end of the catechumenate. were not allowed to attend the Eucharist until after Baptism. Early manuals and discussions of the prayer link it to the Eucharist.
Gonzalez takes note of the different wording in Matthew, Luke, and the Didache, which led Origen to be concerned. He resolved this by suggesting that Jesus taught two versions. He also suggests that the version in the Didache reveals that the prayer was widely used in the early church. There is a helpful chapter that lays out how the prayer was used in the Early Church, especially in worship.
After setting the foundations to the origins and uses of the prayer, all of which is very helpful, Gonzalez takes us step by step through the wording of the prayer, drawing from church history to give definition and explication. There are twelve chapters, beginning with "Our." This word reminds us that the prayer is intended to be understood communally even if recited in private. He deals with the challenge of the declaration that God is in heaven, though he notes that Tertullian skipped this phrase when writing of the prayer moving directly from Our Father to "hallowed be thy name," as did Cyprian somewhat later. This suggests that the question isn't a new one.
Gonzalez notes that when we get to "hallowed be thy name," we get to the actual petitions of the prayer. He notes that the first three speak to the nature, will, and promises of God. Then there are four petitions that we can ascribe that term in a strict sense. Thus, we ask God to give us daily bread, forgive our debts as we forgive debtors, that we not be led into temptation, and finally that God would deliver us from evil. Each petition is explored in turn, offering insight, often from the early church before turning to contemporary implications.
The penultimate chapter deals with the doxology that is not found in the oldest manuscripts of Matthew and Luke but is found in the Didache. He also notes that the doxology is not discussed by early theologians until John Chrysostom. That being said, according to Gonzalez, the doxology is the foundation for the entire prayer. He writes: "We are able to pray as we do because the kingdom, the power, and the glory belong only to this our Father to whom we pray. If it were not so, our prayer would be in vain. But because it is so, our prayer is efficacious, and we can confidently pray. . . ." (p. 157).
He concludes with a chapter looking at the word Amen, which the Greek simply transliterated from the Hebrew. While it is commonly understood to mean 'so be it," Gonzalez notes that the meaning is much stronger than that. It is rather the affirmation of the truthfulness of the statement made, as in an oath. So, Amen it is!
If as it appears this prayer is being set aside in the church, there is a need to engage it closely. While I offer up my own book as one possibility, this is an excellent introduction to the prayer, worthy of study. Gonzalez's background as a historian adds credibility to this study, so it is highly recommended.
In Teach Us To Pray, Justo Gonzalez, a well known and respected church historian, offers us another take on the prayer. It is designed to be used in a group study, as signified by the study guide that can e found at the end of the book. While very readable and accessible, it also takes us places we might not always go -- that is to the interpretations of early Christian theologians such as Tertullian, Cyprian, and Origen.
While there is a trend to set the prayer aside because it could become formulaic, Gonzalez both acknowledges that trend, why it might occur, and offers us a reason to make it the center of Christian spirituality. in doing so, he notes that the charge that it can become formulaic is not new. Cyprian faced this charge in the mid-3rd century, and offered a response suggesting that we should "pray as God our Teacher has taught us" (p. 3). One thing that Gonzalez reveals is that in the early church, these words were so sacred that they appear not to be taught until the very end of the catechumenate. were not allowed to attend the Eucharist until after Baptism. Early manuals and discussions of the prayer link it to the Eucharist.
Gonzalez takes note of the different wording in Matthew, Luke, and the Didache, which led Origen to be concerned. He resolved this by suggesting that Jesus taught two versions. He also suggests that the version in the Didache reveals that the prayer was widely used in the early church. There is a helpful chapter that lays out how the prayer was used in the Early Church, especially in worship.
After setting the foundations to the origins and uses of the prayer, all of which is very helpful, Gonzalez takes us step by step through the wording of the prayer, drawing from church history to give definition and explication. There are twelve chapters, beginning with "Our." This word reminds us that the prayer is intended to be understood communally even if recited in private. He deals with the challenge of the declaration that God is in heaven, though he notes that Tertullian skipped this phrase when writing of the prayer moving directly from Our Father to "hallowed be thy name," as did Cyprian somewhat later. This suggests that the question isn't a new one.
Gonzalez notes that when we get to "hallowed be thy name," we get to the actual petitions of the prayer. He notes that the first three speak to the nature, will, and promises of God. Then there are four petitions that we can ascribe that term in a strict sense. Thus, we ask God to give us daily bread, forgive our debts as we forgive debtors, that we not be led into temptation, and finally that God would deliver us from evil. Each petition is explored in turn, offering insight, often from the early church before turning to contemporary implications.
The penultimate chapter deals with the doxology that is not found in the oldest manuscripts of Matthew and Luke but is found in the Didache. He also notes that the doxology is not discussed by early theologians until John Chrysostom. That being said, according to Gonzalez, the doxology is the foundation for the entire prayer. He writes: "We are able to pray as we do because the kingdom, the power, and the glory belong only to this our Father to whom we pray. If it were not so, our prayer would be in vain. But because it is so, our prayer is efficacious, and we can confidently pray. . . ." (p. 157).
He concludes with a chapter looking at the word Amen, which the Greek simply transliterated from the Hebrew. While it is commonly understood to mean 'so be it," Gonzalez notes that the meaning is much stronger than that. It is rather the affirmation of the truthfulness of the statement made, as in an oath. So, Amen it is!
If as it appears this prayer is being set aside in the church, there is a need to engage it closely. While I offer up my own book as one possibility, this is an excellent introduction to the prayer, worthy of study. Gonzalez's background as a historian adds credibility to this study, so it is highly recommended.
August 8, 2022
González combines historical commentary, theological reflection, and pastoral insights, as he opens up this oft-recited prayer.
He is keen to remove the prayer from the realm of individualism, writing: "When we pray, it is not only we individuals who pray, but we are praying jointly with the entire people of God; and not only do we pray for the people of God, but also, since we ourselves are a priestly people, we pray for those who do not pray or believe in God" (137).
He is also clear to underline the sense of commitment that is implied as we pray these words: "We have said, 'Hallowed be thy name,' and thereby we are committed to behave in a way that sanctifies and glorifies God. We have said, 'Thy kingdom come,' and thereby have committed ourselves to live according to the values of the kingdom. We have said, 'Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,' and thereby we have committed to place God’s will above ours" (162-163).
I don't go along with all of his interpretations, and I'm not clear on whether he believes the devil is real or not. But González offers a lot to ponder, from the riches of the past and from his own meditations.
He is keen to remove the prayer from the realm of individualism, writing: "When we pray, it is not only we individuals who pray, but we are praying jointly with the entire people of God; and not only do we pray for the people of God, but also, since we ourselves are a priestly people, we pray for those who do not pray or believe in God" (137).
He is also clear to underline the sense of commitment that is implied as we pray these words: "We have said, 'Hallowed be thy name,' and thereby we are committed to behave in a way that sanctifies and glorifies God. We have said, 'Thy kingdom come,' and thereby have committed ourselves to live according to the values of the kingdom. We have said, 'Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,' and thereby we have committed to place God’s will above ours" (162-163).
I don't go along with all of his interpretations, and I'm not clear on whether he believes the devil is real or not. But González offers a lot to ponder, from the riches of the past and from his own meditations.
February 23, 2024
Justo Gonzalez successfully takes a prayer we recite by rote and teases it apart into its constituent parts to get us thinking about why we pray. What concepts does this prayer embody?.
Our father who art in heaven hallowed be the name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. Amen.
We collectively, God’s children, pledge ourselves to recognize God’s rule, live generously and give generously within our means, seek the good in people and forgive what we can, and trust the Lord’s protection and providence because we know he is able. This we affirm.
Our father who art in heaven hallowed be the name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. Amen.
We collectively, God’s children, pledge ourselves to recognize God’s rule, live generously and give generously within our means, seek the good in people and forgive what we can, and trust the Lord’s protection and providence because we know he is able. This we affirm.
February 22, 2022
Historical, Theological, and Practical
Outstanding book on the Lord’s Prayer by United Methodist minister and professor of church history, Justo L. Gonzalez. This book lives up to its subtitle, The Lords Prayer in the Early Church. The Introduction is entitled “Uses of the Prayer in the Early Church” and provides historical insights. Each chapter explains the prayer with numerous quotes from the church fathers. Gonzalez is especially good at interweaving theological themes and applicational insights.
One of my top 5 on the Lord’s Prayer. It would be a great book study for a small group.
Outstanding book on the Lord’s Prayer by United Methodist minister and professor of church history, Justo L. Gonzalez. This book lives up to its subtitle, The Lords Prayer in the Early Church. The Introduction is entitled “Uses of the Prayer in the Early Church” and provides historical insights. Each chapter explains the prayer with numerous quotes from the church fathers. Gonzalez is especially good at interweaving theological themes and applicational insights.
One of my top 5 on the Lord’s Prayer. It would be a great book study for a small group.
October 23, 2020
Gonzalez (a well-known church historian and author) shares theological and historical reflections on the Lord's Prayer as a whole and phrase by phrase. This slim volume taught me a lot and continues to influence the way I think as I pray this familiar prayer.
I came across this book when it first came into the Ames Public Library, which was a fun discovery (job perk!). It's great the breadth of books our local library owns. Check it out!
I came across this book when it first came into the Ames Public Library, which was a fun discovery (job perk!). It's great the breadth of books our local library owns. Check it out!
July 13, 2020
Rich with historical context, yet relevant and timely exposition. Deep and challenging, yet accessible and practical. Another gift from Gonzalez to strengthen the church. (Would work well in a small group or book club context.)
September 29, 2020
A helpful, short review of the Lord’s Prayer, not only from a biblical perspective, but also from the perspective of the early church (particularly the Patristic period). Gonzalez is a good historian, but he also shows how practical the consideration of church history can be.
May 9, 2021
Good Primer on the Lord's Prayer
There is a lot of information covered in the book. The author explains the history of the prayer and breaks down each section. By no means is it exhaustive; most chapters are around 10 pages. Good overall book.
There is a lot of information covered in the book. The author explains the history of the prayer and breaks down each section. By no means is it exhaustive; most chapters are around 10 pages. Good overall book.
March 28, 2023
After reading several books on the Lord's Prayer, this one was the best. Gonzalez delves deep into church history and how the Lord's Prayer was used and explained by early Christians. His writing is also peppered with useful insights. Highly recommended if you're studying the Lord's Prayer.
February 11, 2024
Reading this book was such a joy! Gonzalez treats the reader to a greater appreciation of the jewel in Scripture that is the Lord's Prayer. This is the kind of book that once finished I want to sit down and read again!
December 7, 2024
Mostly collating of patristic sources with some of his own extrapolation. Glad to have the patristic sources in one place but the explanatory value of the structure of the Lord's Prayers seven petitions was pretty wanting.
April 1, 2022
Quite possibly the most insightful book on the Lord’s Prayer that I have read. I will be reading it again soon and even more slowly.
July 8, 2022
Excellent for its insight and the historical theology behind the Lord’s Prayer.
February 2, 2026
This was a lovely exposition on the LP and early church writings. I will say as a caveat that the author is more Reformed leaning than I am so some of the sections are certainly written from an original sin viewpoint. But he often takes time to point out the distinctions between East and West on this matter, and certainly the early church writings also bear witness to a time before the doctrine of OS had been created.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews