Book Review: The Lord's Prayer for Today by William J. Carl III

This is a review of The Lord’s Prayer for Today by William J. Carl III.
This is a review of The Lord’s Prayer for Today by William J. Carl III. This book is part of the For Today series by Westminster John Knox Press, released in 2006 – but stands on its own. The book examines the prayer pattern provided by Jesus and serves as a reliable and accessible resource on the Lord’s Prayer. William J. Carl’s expertise in Koine Greek and his understanding of the historical context of the framework behind this prayer offer unmatched insights.

William J. Carl explores the prayer pattern given to us by Jesus in a way that is accessible to those without biblical or theological training while still being valuable for those who do have such a background. Examining the context of the Lord’s Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer for Today explores its significance for the original audience while also considering its relevance in a modern culture that may seem distant and different from that world. The book highlights the challenges and opportunities the prayer presents for nurturing spiritual growth in today’s context. Carl emphasizes that the purpose of this book is to rightly and thoroughly examine the Lord’s Prayer, which deserves continued exploration due to its unparalleled liturgical, theological, and devotional impact on the church and the life of Jesus' followers, surpassing any other document from antiquity. This prayer alone can help us realign ourselves to God, but also Carl says, it is a prayer in which “we are inviting God into our lives to do some serious renovation. Through this prayer God enters the houses of our existential lives and begins knocking down walls and rearranging things.”[1]


At just over 100 pages, The Lord’s Prayer for Today is a relatively easy read that offers both practical and theological insights. Each chapter explores Jesus’ teaching, connection to historic ideas, prayers from Judaism, and other scriptural connections. In each chapter also expired are issues of language, culture, and translation, making it accessible and thought-provoking. Additionally, each of the twelve chapters concludes with questions for discussion and reflection. The book is framed by an Introduction and a concluding section that highlights additional resources for further exploration and insight. Beginning with a chapter on Jesus’ instruction to “Pray Like This” and ends with an exploration of what it means to conclude our prayers with "Amen." In between, the chapters address each petition of the Lord's Prayer: "Our Father who art in heaven," "Hallowed be thy name," "Thy kingdom come," "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," "Give us this day our daily bread," "Forgive us our debts/trespasses/sins," "Lead us not into temptation," "Deliver us from evil," and "For thine is the kingdom."


William J. Carl III has served as the President of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and has been a Professor of Homiletics there as well. Additionally, Carl has served as a pastor, including at the First Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas. As the author of several other books, he is known for Preaching Christian Doctrine. Readers will glimpse both Carl’s academic and pastoral sides.


As a student in the Doctor of Ministry program at Kairos University, I am exploring the theological and practical implications and foundations of utilizing the Lord’s Prayer in discipleship, communal contexts, and with those on a spiritual pilgrimage. This is first and foremost why I read this book. However, the Lord’s Prayer has been a central part of my daily spiritual disciplines as a follower of Jesus, so having the opportunity to explore it further was a key reason I thoroughly engaged with this book.


Overall, I found this book to be a strong examination of the Lord’s Prayer, offering a meaningful exploration of its multifaceted nature and uncovering its rich layers. Critically, there is little I would fault it for. If I were to offer any criticism, it might be that the book could benefit from a deeper connection to contemporary rabbinic writings and their general rabbinic perspectives on the themes Jesus addresses in each line of the Lord’s Prayer.


I highly recommend The Lord’s Prayer for Today by William J. Carl III for its insightful and accessible exploration of the Lord’s Prayer. This book stands out for its blend of practical and theological perspectives, making it valuable for both lay readers and those with a theological background. With its engaging examination of Jesus’ teaching and thoughtful discussion questions, it offers a profound resource for deepening spiritual understanding and practice.



[1] William J. Carl, The Lord’s Prayer for Today, For Today Series (Louisville, KY: Westminister John Knox Press, 2006), 6.
I grew up inspired by Jesus, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the California Raisins, and The Clash. I'm an avid fan of baseball, boardwalks, beaches, and books. Additionally, I am currently a doctoral student at Kairos University, and finishing a third master's degree, an MBA in Executive Leadership, at City Vision University. Previously I have earned two master's degrees - one in Theology and Ministry and another in Leadership - both from Fuller Seminary. I also graduated summa cum laude with a Graduate Certificate in Non-profit Management and an Associate Degree in Christian Ministry and Leadership from City Vision University.

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