Praying by Heart: Rediscovering the depth and power of the Lord’s Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer is perhaps one of the most recognised and frequently recited passages of scripture. While many of us may be able to recite it by heart, in Praying by Heart (Hodder & Stoughton), Stephen Cottrell challenges us to consider whether its words have truly taken root in our hearts.

Just as the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, Cottrell, as a teacher of God’s Word, encourages us to get back to basics with Jesus and rediscover the depth and richness found in praying these words. Passionately committed to educating his readers, Cottrell seeks to illuminate the Lord’s Prayer, both for those who are familiar with it but have yet to grasp its full meaning, and for those who have never encountered it. For Cottrell, this prayer is not merely a recitation - it serves as a fundamental guide for living.

This book offers an in-depth exploration of the Lord’s Prayer, breaking it down line by line to uncover its profound meaning. The prayer is brought to life through engaging anecdotes, numerous relevant scripture references and insights from other scholars of the Lord’s Prayer. Although primarily a theological work, Cottrell envisions this book to be a resource for small group study. To support this, he has included a five-week study programme outlined at the end of the book.

At the outset, Cottrell addresses the concept of “father” with great care, acknowledging that the term may not evoke positive associations for everyone and thoughtfully considers the needs of a diverse readership. However, this same sensitivity occasionally leads him in varied directions. In exploring the opening phrase, ”Our Father,” Cottrell emphasises the closeness, intimacy, and affirmation inherent in being invited to use such language. By placing us in relationship with God and with one another as his children, he effectively highlights the communal essence of the Lord’s Prayer.

This book places significant emphasis on the first half of the prayer, which is directed toward God, while moving more quickly through the latter portions focused on humanity. While this may not have been Cottrell’s intention, I found myself wishing for a deeper exploration of the latter sections on forgiveness, temptation and the concept of evil. Nevertheless, the chapter on “our daily bread” is particularly thought-provoking, reflecting Cottrell’s evident passion for addressing the economic implications of the prayer. He strongly urges Christians to confront the injustices and inequalities in our world and to actively work together for the collective good of the global household.

This book offers a wealth of wisdom. The author thoughtfully reminds us throughout that prayer is not to be viewed as a transaction with God, but a sacred practice that transforms us and aligns our hearts with His.

This book is undeniably challenging, urging us to consider that praying the words of the Lord’s Prayer with the intention to act on them would be nothing short of revolutionary. After reading it, I certainly found myself praying the Lord’s Prayer more frequently, and with greater awareness and intentionality than ever before. I do believe that this was Cottrell’s intent and I truly hope that others will find it as impactful as I have. 

Praying by Heart: The Lord’s Prayer For Everyone by Stephen Cottrell is out now