Why Catholics Do Not Say the Whole Lord's Prayer and Related Doxology

The Lord's prayer, a quintessential part of Christian worship, often evokes discussions among various denominations regarding its composition and divine origin. While Protestants typically include a doxology—“For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever and ever”—at the end of their recitation, Catholics do not follow this practice. This article explores the reasons for this difference and provides context within the religious traditions.

The Context of the Lord's Prayer

The version of the Lord's prayer that is commonly used by Catholics and many Christians today is found in the Gospel of Matthew (6:9-13). This prayer, often referred to as the Our Father, is one of the most well-known passages in the Bible. However, there are additional parts of the prayer that appear in various early Christian writings, but are not included in the Bible as we know it.

The Doxology: An Addition or a Choice?

Why do Protestants use the doxology in saying the Lord's prayer? To understand this, it is crucial to clarify that the doxology, “For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory now and for ever”, is not originally part of the prayer itself. Historically, it was only added at the end of the prayer in Christian liturgy. It is not a direct quotation from any biblical text but is found in the Didache, an early Christian document from the first or second century. Some Christians, including some Protestants, divide the prayer and give the addition to the priest or use it as a separate prayer.

Catholic and Protestant Differences

Why don't Catholics include the doxology in their prayer? The Catholic Church prefers the version of the Lord's prayer that is found in the Bible, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew. This prayer, known as the Our Father, is the authentic and original wording ascribed to Jesus Christ. The doxology, while important, is considered a later addition that was not part of Jesus' original teaching.

The Role of the Doxology in Protestant Worship

Many Protestant denominations, in their commitment to adhere strictly to biblical texts, do not include the doxology at the end of the Lord's prayer. They see this as an unnecessary addition that does not reflect the original intent of the prayer. Instead, they focus on the core content of the prayer, which they believe aligns with the teachings of Jesus Christ and the earliest Christian practices.

The Catholic Mass and the Doxology

Despite the exclusion of the doxology in the core recitation of the Lord's prayer, Catholics do incorporate it in their liturgy, albeit within a distinct context. After the recitation of the Our Father, Catholics have a transitional moment where the priest adds a prayer: “Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil; grant us peace. Let us be free from every fear and every sin. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us sinners.…” The congregation then responds with the doxology. This structure is a reflection of the Catholic belief in the importance of the prayer but also in the inclusion of further blessings and requests before the doxology.

Conclusion: Understanding Denominational Differences

While the inclusion or exclusion of the doxology in the Lord's prayer may seem like a minor detail to some, it reflects broader theological and liturgical differences between Catholic and Protestant traditions. Catholicism emphasizes the authenticity of Jesus' original teachings, while some Protestant denominations focus on the purity and precision of biblical texts. These different approaches contribute to the rich diversity of Christian practice and belief.