Two of the best-known passages in the Bible are the Twenty-Third Psalm and the Lord’s Prayer. They are similar in several ways, but there is one major difference between them. Psalm 23 is personal and singular: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (verse 1). The writer didn’t say, “The Lord is our shepherd.” He was writing for himself.

The Lord’s Prayer, on the other hand, is plural throughout. Jesus didn’t tell us to pray, “My Father in heaven” but “Our Father in heaven.” We’re to pray, “Give us…. Forgive us…. Deliver us” (Matthew 6:9-13). We are praying for ourselves and for others.

God is our Heavenly Father; we must remember our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are part of a family, and we need to make sure to take care of those relationships. When you offer the Lord’s Prayer, think not only of yourself but also of others. You can make this a prayer that includes your children, your pastor, your fellow church members, and the family of Christ around the world. Here’s an idea to get started. Offer the Lord’s prayer now, and emphasize with your voice all the plural pronouns. It will be a blessing for you.

The Lord’s Prayer is a family prayer.
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