The Lord's Prayer Middle English

 Original Text: 

The Lourdes Preyere Oure fadir that art in heuenes, halewid be thi name; thi kyngdoom come to; be thi wille don, in erthe as in heuene. Yyue to vs this dai oure breed ouer othir substaunce, and foryyue to vs oure dettis, as we foryyuen to oure dettouris; and lede vs not in to temptacioun, but delyuere vs fro yuel. Amen.

Modern English Translation: 

Our father which art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Line-By-Line Commentary and Explanation

The part opens with introductory remarks and prayer summaries, and then delves into the phrase "Our Father, who art in heaven." Following that are the seven petitions found in the Lord's prayer. The first three are directed to God and are concerned with His nature ("Hallowed be thy name") ("Thy Kingdom Come", "Thy will be done"). The following four sections are on man, his physical wants ("Give us this day"), relational requirements ("forgive us"), and mental and spiritual needs ("forgive us" etc) ("lead us not into temptation" and "deliver us from evil"). The prayer closes with a doxology (omitted from the catholic tradition but included in the mass), whose threefold aspect ("Yours is the kingdom", "might and glory") reflects the Trinity's essence. Finally, the sentence "Forever and ever. Amen" concludes. According to Matthew Henry, the phrase "Amen" serves as a valuable connector for all previous petitions and requests.

Read Also: Old English Anglo Saxon Lord Prayer