The Lord's Prayer In Japanese: Words, Meaning & Significance

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 61 views

The Lord's Prayer, or 主の祈り (Shu no Inori) in Japanese, is a cornerstone of Christian worship and a profound expression of faith. Whether you're a devout Christian, a language enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, understanding this prayer in Japanese offers a unique perspective on its universal message. Guys, let's dive deep into the words, meaning, and significance of the Lord's Prayer in Japanese. We'll explore its romanized version (Romaji), its written form in Japanese script (Kanji and Hiragana), and a detailed explanation of each phrase. This exploration will not only enhance your understanding of the prayer but also provide insights into the nuances of the Japanese language and culture. Understanding the Lord's Prayer in Japanese provides a unique lens through which to view both language and spirituality, offering a richer, more nuanced comprehension of a prayer recited by millions worldwide. The Lord's Prayer, central to Christian worship, transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries, holding profound significance for believers across the globe. By examining its rendition in Japanese, we can appreciate the universal appeal of its message and its adaptability to diverse cultural contexts. This prayer serves not only as a means of communication with the divine but also as a unifying force that binds individuals together in shared faith and devotion. The Lord's Prayer in Japanese is a testament to the enduring relevance of Christian teachings and their capacity to resonate with people from all walks of life. Its recitation in Japanese underscores the inclusive nature of Christianity, which welcomes believers regardless of their linguistic or cultural background.

Understanding the Japanese Lord's Prayer

Before we dive into the specifics, it's essential to understand the structure and context. The Lord's Prayer in Japanese follows the same basic structure as in other languages, but the specific wording and nuances reflect Japanese linguistic and cultural elements. Japanese language is known for its politeness levels, and while the Lord's Prayer is generally recited in a respectful tone, it's not overly formal compared to some other religious contexts. Now, let's break down the prayer phrase by phrase! The Lord's Prayer, a cornerstone of Christian worship, has been translated into countless languages, each version reflecting the unique linguistic and cultural nuances of its speakers. In Japanese, the prayer, known as Shu no Inori, offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of faith and language. The structure and context of the Japanese Lord's Prayer are crucial to understanding its significance. While adhering to the same fundamental structure as versions in other languages, the Japanese rendition incorporates linguistic and cultural elements specific to Japan. The Japanese language is renowned for its politeness levels, and the Lord's Prayer is typically recited with respect, although it may not be as formal as some other religious contexts. By breaking down the prayer phrase by phrase, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its meaning and cultural resonance. Understanding the structure and context of the Lord's Prayer in Japanese is paramount to grasping its full significance. While the prayer maintains the same fundamental structure as its counterparts in other languages, it is imbued with unique linguistic and cultural nuances that reflect the Japanese context. The Japanese language is characterized by its intricate system of politeness levels, which influence how individuals communicate with one another. The Lord's Prayer in Japanese is typically recited with reverence, although it may not exhibit the same degree of formality as other religious ceremonies. By dissecting the prayer phrase by phrase, we can uncover the layers of meaning and cultural resonance embedded within its words.

The Prayer in Japanese (with Romaji)

Okay, let's get to the actual prayer! Here's the Lord's Prayer in Japanese, along with its Romaji (romanized) version for those who aren't familiar with reading Japanese script:

Japanese: 天にまします我らの父よ、願わくは御名（みな）を聖（せい）とせん。御国（みくに）を来（きた）らせたまえ。御旨（みむね）の天に成るごとく、地にも成させたまえ。我らの日ごとの糧（かて）を、今日（こんにち）も与えたまえ。我らに罪を犯す者を、我らが赦（ゆる）すごとく、我らの罪をも赦したまえ。我らを試み（こころみ）に遭（あ）わせず、悪（あく）より救（すく）い出したまえ。国と力と栄え（さかえ）とは、永久（とわ）に汝（なんじ）のものなればなり。アーメン。
Romaji: Ten ni imasu warera no chichi yo, negawakuba mi na wo sei to sen. Mi kuni wo kitarase tamae. Mi mune no ten ni naru gotoku, chi ni mo nasase tamae. Warera no higoto no kate wo, konnichi mo ataeta mae. Warera ni tsumi wo okasu mono wo, warera ga yurusu gotoku, warera no tsumi wo mo yurushitamae. Warera wo kokoromi ni awasezu, aku yori sukui idase tamae. Kuni to chikara to sakae to wa, towa ni nanji no mono nareba nari. Amen.

Breaking it down, phrase by phrase, helps to grasp the meaning and intention of each line. This version is commonly used in many Japanese Christian churches. This rendition serves as a linguistic bridge, facilitating access to the prayer for individuals who may not be fluent in Japanese script. The inclusion of Romaji ensures that the prayer is accessible to a broader audience, including those who are new to the Japanese language or who prefer to engage with the text phonetically. Each phrase of the prayer is carefully translated to convey the original meaning while also reflecting the nuances of the Japanese language and culture. By providing both the Japanese text and its Romaji equivalent, individuals can deepen their understanding of the prayer and connect with its message on a more personal level. This comprehensive presentation allows for a more inclusive and engaging experience, fostering a sense of connection and understanding among diverse communities of faith. The inclusion of Romaji alongside the Japanese text provides a valuable tool for individuals seeking to engage with the prayer in a more accessible manner. Whether one is a language learner, a devout Christian, or simply curious about different cultures, the Romaji version allows for a deeper understanding of the prayer's meaning and intention. By breaking down each phrase and providing a phonetic representation, the barriers to comprehension are lowered, enabling individuals to connect with the prayer on a more personal and meaningful level.

Meaning of Each Phrase

Let's break down each line of the prayer to truly understand its meaning:

天にまします我らの父よ (Ten ni imasu warera no chichi yo): "Our Father who is in heaven." This line establishes the relationship with God as a loving father figure. The phrase "Ten ni imasu" literally means "who is in heaven," emphasizing God's divine and transcendent nature. It sets the tone for the entire prayer, acknowledging God's supreme authority and loving presence. The term "warera no chichi yo" translates to "our Father," highlighting the intimate and personal connection between believers and God. This opening invocation invites individuals to approach God with reverence and trust, recognizing Him as the source of all blessings and the ultimate provider. It lays the foundation for a heartfelt dialogue between humanity and the divine, inviting seekers to seek guidance, comfort, and grace from the One who dwells in the heavens. The phrase embodies a sense of humility and reliance, reminding us that we are all children of God, united in our shared humanity and dependence on His unwavering love.
願わくは御名（みな）を聖（せい）とせん (Negawakuba mi na wo sei to sen): "Hallowed be your name." This expresses a desire for God's name to be treated as holy and revered. "Negawakuba" conveys a sense of wishing or desiring, indicating a heartfelt plea for God's name to be sanctified. The term "mi na" refers to God's name, while "sei to sen" expresses the intention to treat it as holy or sacred. This line underscores the importance of reverence and respect for God's divine identity, urging believers to honor Him in thought, word, and deed. It reflects a deep longing to see God's name exalted and glorified throughout the earth, inviting all to recognize His majesty and holiness. The phrase calls upon individuals to approach God with humility and awe, acknowledging His supreme authority and unwavering faithfulness. It embodies a commitment to uphold the sanctity of God's name, safeguarding it from misuse or profanation, and proclaiming it as a beacon of hope and salvation for all.
御国（みくに）を来（きた）らせたまえ (Mi kuni wo kitarase tamae): "Your kingdom come." This is a request for God's kingdom to be established on Earth. "Mi kuni" refers to God's kingdom, symbolizing His divine reign and sovereign authority. The phrase "kitarase tamae" expresses a plea for His kingdom to come, indicating a longing for His will to be done on Earth as it is in heaven. This line embodies a sense of hope and anticipation, inviting God to manifest His presence and power in the world. It reflects a desire for justice, peace, and righteousness to prevail, transforming society according to His divine plan. The phrase calls upon individuals to actively participate in the advancement of God's kingdom, seeking to embody His values and principles in their daily lives. It inspires believers to work towards a future where God's love and compassion reign supreme, bringing healing and restoration to a broken world. It signifies a commitment to be agents of change, spreading the message of hope and reconciliation to all nations.
御旨（みむね）の天に成るごとく、地にも成させたまえ (Mi mune no ten ni naru gotoku, chi ni mo nasase tamae): "Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." This expresses a willingness to accept and follow God's will. The term "mi mune" refers to God's will or purpose, representing His divine plan for humanity. The phrase "ten ni naru gotoku, chi ni mo nasase tamae" expresses a desire for His will to be done on Earth as it is in heaven, indicating a submission to His authority and wisdom. This line embodies a spirit of humility and trust, inviting God to guide and direct our lives according to His perfect design. It reflects a recognition that His ways are higher than our ways and that His plans are ultimately for our good. The phrase calls upon individuals to surrender their own desires and ambitions, aligning themselves with God's purposes and seeking to fulfill His calling. It inspires believers to embrace obedience and faithfulness, trusting that He will lead them along the path of righteousness and bless them abundantly. It signifies a commitment to live in harmony with God's will, allowing His love and grace to transform our hearts and minds.
我らの日ごとの糧（かて）を、今日（こんにち）も与えたまえ (Warera no higoto no kate wo, konnichi mo ataeta mae): "Give us this day our daily bread." This is a request for God to provide for our daily needs. "Warera no higoto no kate" translates to "our daily bread," representing the basic necessities of life. The phrase "konnichi mo ataeta mae" expresses a plea for God to provide for us today, indicating a reliance on His provision and care. This line embodies a spirit of gratitude and dependence, acknowledging God as the source of all blessings and the sustainer of life. It reflects a recognition that we are ultimately reliant on His provision and that He faithfully meets our needs according to His riches in glory. The phrase calls upon individuals to approach God with humility and trust, seeking His guidance and provision in every aspect of their lives. It inspires believers to be content with what they have, recognizing that true satisfaction comes from knowing Him and experiencing His love. It signifies a commitment to share our blessings with others, extending His grace and compassion to those in need.
我らに罪を犯す者を、我らが赦（ゆる）すごとく、我らの罪をも赦したまえ (Warera ni tsumi wo okasu mono wo, warera ga yurusu gotoku, warera no tsumi wo mo yurushitamae): "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." This asks for forgiveness in the same measure that we forgive others. The phrase "warera ni tsumi wo okasu mono wo" refers to those who sin against us, while "warera ga yurusu gotoku" expresses our forgiveness towards them. The term "warera no tsumi mo yurushitamae" pleads for God to forgive our sins in the same way that we forgive others. This line embodies a spirit of humility and repentance, acknowledging our need for forgiveness and our responsibility to extend grace to others. It reflects a recognition that forgiveness is essential for healing and reconciliation, both with God and with our fellow human beings. The phrase calls upon individuals to examine their own hearts and actions, seeking to forgive those who have wronged them and to ask for forgiveness for their own transgressions. It inspires believers to extend compassion and understanding to others, recognizing that we are all imperfect and in need of God's mercy. It signifies a commitment to break the cycle of bitterness and resentment, embracing forgiveness as a pathway to freedom and wholeness.
我らを試み（こころみ）に遭（あ）わせず、悪（あく）より救（すく）い出したまえ (Warera wo kokoromi ni awasezu, aku yori sukui idase tamae): "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." This is a plea for protection from temptation and evil. "Warera wo kokoromi ni awasezu" asks not to be led into temptation, while "aku yori sukui idase tamae" pleads for deliverance from evil. This line embodies a spirit of vigilance and dependence, recognizing our vulnerability to temptation and our need for God's protection. It reflects a recognition that evil is a real and powerful force in the world and that we cannot overcome it on our own. The phrase calls upon individuals to seek God's guidance and strength, trusting that He will lead them away from temptation and deliver them from harm. It inspires believers to resist the allure of sin, choosing instead to walk in obedience to His commands. It signifies a commitment to rely on God's power to overcome the challenges and trials of life, knowing that He is our refuge and our shield.
国と力と栄え（さかえ）とは、永久（とわ）に汝（なんじ）のものなればなり (Kuni to chikara to sakae to wa, towa ni nanji no mono nareba nari): "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever." This affirms God's eternal sovereignty and glory. "Kuni to chikara to sakae" refers to the kingdom, power, and glory, while "towa ni nanji no mono nareba nari" affirms that these belong to God forever. This line embodies a spirit of adoration and praise, recognizing God as the supreme ruler and source of all authority. It reflects a recognition that His kingdom is everlasting and that His power and glory extend throughout all creation. The phrase calls upon individuals to bow before Him in reverence and awe, acknowledging His majesty and sovereignty. It inspires believers to proclaim His greatness and to give Him all honor and praise. It signifies a commitment to live in submission to His reign, trusting that He will ultimately triumph over all evil and establish His eternal kingdom.
アーメン (Āmen): "Amen." This is a declaration of affirmation and agreement. Saying "Amen" signifies agreement with and affirmation of the prayer. It's a way of saying, "So be it" or "Let it be so." It seals the prayer with a sense of finality and conviction, expressing confidence in God's faithfulness and willingness to answer. This concluding word embodies a spirit of faith and trust, affirming that we believe God hears and answers our prayers. It reflects a recognition that He is faithful to His promises and that He will fulfill His purposes in our lives. The term calls upon individuals to seal their prayers with sincerity and conviction, knowing that God is attentive to their needs and desires. It inspires believers to live in accordance with their prayers, trusting that He will work all things together for their good. It signifies a commitment to walk in faith, knowing that He is always with us and that He will never leave nor forsake us.

The Significance of the Lord's Prayer

The Lord's Prayer, regardless of the language, is significant for several reasons. It teaches us how to pray, what to pray for, and reminds us of our relationship with God. In the context of Japanese culture, reciting this prayer connects Japanese Christians to a global community of believers. The Lord's Prayer holds profound significance for Christians worldwide, serving as a model for prayer and a guide for connecting with God. Regardless of the language in which it is recited, the prayer encapsulates essential elements of faith, including reverence for God, submission to His will, and reliance on His provision. In the context of Japanese culture, the Lord's Prayer serves as a bridge connecting Japanese Christians to a global community of believers, fostering a sense of unity and shared identity. The act of reciting the prayer in Japanese affirms the universality of Christian teachings and their ability to resonate with diverse cultural contexts. Furthermore, the Lord's Prayer offers valuable lessons on how to pray effectively, teaching individuals to approach God with humility, sincerity, and trust. It provides a framework for expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness, and requesting guidance, empowering believers to cultivate a deeper relationship with their Creator. By embodying the principles of the Lord's Prayer in their daily lives, Christians can experience spiritual growth, inner peace, and a greater sense of purpose. The Lord's Prayer stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of Christian teachings and their transformative power to impact individuals and communities worldwide. It provides a framework for expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness, and requesting guidance, empowering believers to cultivate a deeper relationship with their Creator. By embodying the principles of the Lord's Prayer in their daily lives, Christians can experience spiritual growth, inner peace, and a greater sense of purpose.

Conclusion

Learning the Lord's Prayer in Japanese is more than just a linguistic exercise; it's a cultural and spiritual journey. By understanding the words and their meanings, you gain a deeper appreciation for the prayer itself and the Japanese culture that embraces it. Whether you're a student of language, a person of faith, or simply curious, I hope this guide has been insightful and enriching! So, next time you hear 主の祈り (Shu no Inori), you'll have a much better understanding of its profound message. The Lord's Prayer in Japanese serves as a powerful reminder of the universal values and beliefs that unite Christians across the globe. Learning the prayer in Japanese offers more than just a linguistic exercise; it provides a gateway to cultural understanding and spiritual enrichment. By delving into the nuances of the language and culture, individuals can gain a deeper appreciation for the prayer itself and the profound message it conveys. Whether one is a language enthusiast, a person of faith, or simply curious about different cultures, exploring the Lord's Prayer in Japanese offers valuable insights and perspectives. It fosters a sense of connection and solidarity with Christians worldwide, affirming the shared values and beliefs that bind them together. By embracing the diversity of languages and cultures in which the prayer is recited, we can celebrate the richness and beauty of human expression while remaining united in our devotion to God. The Lord's Prayer in Japanese stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith to transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries, inspiring individuals to seek deeper meaning and connection in their lives.