Parish catechetical course · 27 / 27 · YOUCAT question topics 511–527
The Our Father: the prayer taught by Jesus
The essential idea
In the Our Father, Jesus teaches us to address God as Father and to seek God’s will, daily bread, forgiveness and freedom from evil. Every petition opens a dimension of Christian life.
Questions and explanations
Why do we say “Our Father”?
We pray as members of God’s family. Even private prayer opens us to the needs of others.
What does “Thy will be done” mean?
We learn to trust God’s goodness and act according to the Gospel. It is not an excuse for passivity or indifference to injustice.
What is meant by daily bread?
We ask for what sustains life and learn to share it. Christians also recognise a connection with the Eucharist.
Why is forgiveness linked to forgiving others?
God’s mercy calls us away from revenge towards reconciliation. Forgiveness does not require denying truth, abandoning safety or accepting abuse.
Scripture references
Mt 6:9-13, Lk 11:1-4
In everyday life
When a family prays the Our Father together, its words on forgiveness may open an honest conversation after conflict.
For reflection
- Which petition of the Our Father speaks to me today?
- Am I willing both to seek and offer forgiveness?
A step to take
Read Matthew 6:9–13, choose one petition and pray it attentively throughout the week.
In the UGCC tradition
The Our Father is central in the Byzantine Divine Liturgy. For worship, retain the approved Ukrainian liturgical text rather than substituting an improvised translation.
Sources and notes
YOUCAT: YOUCAT question topics 511–527. Original parish catechesis organised by YOUCAT themes. Not an official YOUCAT text, translation or edition. No pages or illustrations from the original book are reproduced.
Catechism of the Catholic Church · UGCC Catechism “Christ — Our Pascha”