Book Review: The Lord’s Prayers by Elton Trueblood

This is a review of The Lord’s Prayers by Elton Trueblood. Released in 1965, on Harper & Row Publishers, Elton Trueblood’s classic work was developed after he gave a presentation at St. Paul’s Church in Richmond, Virginia, in 1964. Though he was supposed to present on another topic for the week, he felt nudged to announce a series on the prayers of Jesus. He shares that the book, The Lord’s Prayers emerged from that experience. After that week he shares that he was determined to “put my meditations on this important theme into book form,” and that presentation with “a number of weeks, mostly alone in the wilderness, have made the writing possible.”[1] This reflective book and work has, as he states, a universal appeal and application to more than just that singular context.

Though theology is shared, this is not a theological book, and at the same time it is not a general Christian living book either. Elton Trueblood’s The Lord’s Prayers walks a fine line between those two worlds and presents a practical theological approach to the prayers said by Jesus throughout his life and ministry. Throughout this short book, Trueblood looks deeply into the depth and details of the many prayers of Jesus. The publisher shares that it would be good for “private devotional reading” or “group study,” but I would also say that this book is an essential read for pastors and theologians who want to shed new light on Jesus’ prayer to find new life in their own understandings and practices of prayer.[2] Throughout this book, Trueblood looks at how there are many areas of Christ’s life worthy of imitation, and that in imitation “we are likely to be more nearly successful if we concentrate upon one of these at a time,” we should therefore start with prayer, especially if we are “concerned for the development of our inner lives.”[3] In exploring prayer in the New Testament, “we soon note, of course, at least three aspects,” “First, there is Christ’s teaching about prayer; second, there is much reference, by the authors or editors…and third, there is the record, in more or less fragmentary form, of the actual prayers uttered by Christ.”[4] All three of these areas are explored throughout this book, making the argument that “there is no part of greater significance for us than that which relates to prayer.”[5] For Trueblood, in The Lord’s Prayers, “prayer is an experience of pure trust and loving obedience which elevates even a modest life when truly related to the Living God.”[6]

At just a little over 120 pages, it is amazing to consider how deep this short read goes, and how far it develops a rich understanding of the various prayers of Jesus. Sandwiched between a Preface and Scripture Index, are seven exhaustive chapters. Chapter 1 looks at Creative Imitation. Here, we learn the “procedure is to soak ourselves in the model and then to pray freely.”[7] In Chapter 2, Trueblood looks at Christ’s Practice of Prayer. We see here, that “Christ’s practice of prayer is evident at all points in the story” and “it is the foundation of all the rest of the structure, including healing, calling, and teaching.”[8] Moving into The Pattern of Prayer in Chapter 3, Trueblood looks at the disciple's prayer (The Lord’s Prayer). Though I disagree with Trueblood’s favoring of Luke’s version over Matthew, this chapter helps us to understand the prayer and its practice without meaningless rote. This chapter should be a must-read for many. We find each line’s meeting, and that “the more we meditate on this prayer which our Lord suggested to His followers…the more we see the soundness of the late Archbishop Temple’s conclusion, “It is the prayer you would want to offer if you loved God with all your heart.”[9] Chapter 4 explores Jesus’ prayer for a Labor Force. In this chapter, looking at Luke 10:2, this prayer reminds us “to recognize that the essence of the Church is mission.”[10] Then in Chapter 5, we look at the personal prayer of Jesus, a prayer of gratitude in Matthew 11:25. Where Father and Lord of Heaven are intertwined in a way that “one is intimate, close, affectionate, but the other involves awe and wonder.”[11] The book ends with the last two chapters looking at the Prayers before the Cross (Chapter 6) and the Prayers on the Cross (Chapter 7).

Elton Trueblood is the author of 33 books and countless resources.[12] Outside of theological circles, he is most known for his spiritual autobiography on Abraham Lincoln, which Nancy Reagan helped to make famous in a Good Housekeeping interview in 1981.[13] As a Quaker, he was not only known for his influence in theology and ethics but also among presidents such as Herbert Hoover, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan.[14] Professionally, Trueblood served in faculty and chaplain roles at Haverford College, Guilford College, Harvard University, Stanford University, and Earlham College.[15] Trueblood established roots in the Quaker community of Richmond, Indiana, where he helped to catalyze the transformation of Earlham College, founding the Earlham School of Religion.[16] Trueblood also played a pivotal role in revitalizing American Quaker discourse and activism.

I read this book as part of my journey through the Doctor of Ministry program at Kairos University. The Doctor of Ministry program at Kairos University is heavily integrated with practical theology and is a program that is based on practical theological reflection and integration. As a student in the Doctor of Ministry program at Kairos University, I am exploring the theological and practical foundations of utilizing the Lord’s Prayer in discipleship, communal contexts, and with those on a spiritual pilgrimage. This book proved invaluable and timely in my ongoing exploration of the Lord’s Prayer.

Focusing on just the aspect of the Lord’s Prayer, Trueblood suggests the Lord’s Prayer is misnamed, and would better be called the Disciples’ Prayer.”[17] Sadly, too often it has been said without meaning, and in this chapter, we are introduced to its richness in helpful ways. This prayer also may serve as one of the prescribed liturgies of the early church.[18] Trueblood, as mentioned above, favors Luke’s version as more original, a dichotomy I am not sure exists (might be two accounts), and I prefer Matthew because of its rhythm, and even as Trueblood remarks it is identical to the “version is found in the Didache.”[19] In this chapter, Elton Trueblood also believes the benedictory line we read with the Lord’s Prayer is not original to the Didache, but probably because “In Hebrew practice, it was not uncommon to add a doxology.”[20]

In this section of the book, we explore how it is a pattern, not Jesus “providing a stereotype, to be memorized and used on all occasions.”[21] Seeing it as a pattern and not a stereotype, helps us to avoid “the formation of official prayers” that are “to be rattled off, frequently with no concern for their meaning…one of the most common features in the history of religious practices.”[22] In fact, he argues that we have far too often become so familiar with the words of “our Father,” that “we can repeat them with no effort at all, and sometimes with no serious recognition of what we are saying.”[23] He states that “there is, in this, an element of ultimate blasphemy.”[24]

As the Lord’s Prayer starts, we focus on reverence, in a way that is meant to help us “see ourselves aright is in the context of the being and glory of God, whose humble servants we may eventually become.[25] We then, focus on God’s name in "Hallowed be thy Name,” where we contemplate how the name of God stood for God’s character, for God’s integrity, and for God’s active power.[26]

Moving next into the focus of God’s kingdom, “our prayer is that that which is potential may become actual, here and now.”[27] In praying this, “we are keenly aware of how far from such a situation we, in fact, are,” and because “The Kingdom is not actualized so long as there are any who actively oppose the Father's will.”[28]

In praying for God’s will to be done, we are reminded that this “is a costly process.”[29] This line reminds us that “our present task is that of bringing as much as we can of the present world into conformity with God's will, as revealed by Christ.”[30] After focusing on bringing about God’s rule and way, we request something “exceedingly mundane: daily bread.”[31] Truthfully, “because we live in an economy of abundance, in which we are embarrassed by our growing surplus of most things, we are likely to forget how uncharacteristic this situation is.”[32] However, “even in affluence the prayer for daily bread is still relevant, partly because of the plural number of the pronoun. The prayer is for "us," not merely for "me."[33] As the prayer moves into forgiveness, Trueblood reminds us that it is inconceivable “that we should not need to ask to be forgiven.”[34]

In forgiveness, we see how “our relationship to God is conditioned by our relationship to men.”[35] At the same time, this line becomes “a marvelous instrument of self-examination.”[36] Forgiveness is the only act we are called to in relation to our sin. We note that “there is no way of overemphasizing the healing effect of this conception. Sins, then, are neither ignored nor dwelt upon.”[37]This line helps us remember that “the Christian community survives and thrives, not as the fellowship of the righteous, but as the fellowship of the mutually forgiven, because divinely forgiven.”[38]

In closing, we look at temptation and the need for guidance. We are reminded that “even after men understand that Christ calls to hardship, there could be some tests that would be too hard to bear.”[39] In other words, there are “fierce hardships which are inherent in living in this cruel world.”[40] This line is an offensive act more than a defensive response, because “unless we arm ourselves in advance of the moral battle, we have very little chance when finally the actual test occurs.”[41]

I warn that preference for certain interpretations and occasional didactic tone may limit its appeal to some readers, but nonetheless, Elton Trueblood's work remains a valuable resource for deepening one's understanding of prayer in the Christian tradition.

Elton Trueblood's The Lord’s Prayers offers a profound exploration of the prayers of Jesus, blending theological insight with practical application. Trueblood's meticulous analysis of Christ's prayers serves as a guide for personal devotion, group study, and pastoral reflection. Whether you are a seasoned theologian, a pastor seeking new perspectives on prayer, or a student delving into the depths of spiritual formation, this book provides invaluable wisdom and inspiration. I highly recommend it as essential reading for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of prayer in both personal and communal contexts. It serves as a beacon illuminating the transformative power of prayer in our lives and communities.

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Read Highlights & Quotes



[1] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 9-10.

[2] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), Back Cover.

[3] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 12-13.

[4] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 13.

[5] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 13.

[6] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 13.

[7] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 26.

[8] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 27.

[9] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 61.

[10] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 75.

[11] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 81.

[12] “D. Elton Trueblood - Wikipedia.” Accessed May 7, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._Elton_Trueblood.

[13] “D. Elton Trueblood - Wikipedia.” Accessed May 7, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._Elton_Trueblood.

[14] “D. Elton Trueblood - Wikipedia.” Accessed May 7, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._Elton_Trueblood.

[15] “D. Elton Trueblood - Wikipedia.” Accessed May 7, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._Elton_Trueblood.

[16] “D. Elton Trueblood - Wikipedia.” Accessed May 7, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._Elton_Trueblood.

[17] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 45.

[18] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 46-47.

[19] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 47.

[20] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 47.

[21] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 48.

[22] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 48.

[23] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 48-49.

[24] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 48-49.

[25] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 50.

[26] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 50.

[27] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 51.

[28] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 52-53.

[29] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 52.

[30] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 52.

[31] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 53.

[32] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 53-54.

[33] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 54.

[34] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 54-55.

[35] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 56.

[36] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 57.

[37] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 57.

[38] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 57.

[39] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 59.

[40] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 60.

[41] Elton Trueblood, The Lord’s Prayers (New York, NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1965), 60.