Amidst the busyness (and sometimes craziness) that is my life and schedule, I contemplate the Lord’s Prayer often. It’s been important to me, and I pray it right before I go to sleep. I really try to be consistent each night.
When the disciples asked Jesus, “Lord, how should we pray?”, they went directly to the source. Jesus’ answer revealed a lot back then, and it can still teach me today.
I sat beside Chuck and got to know him in a weekly Bible study for years. May I mention that he rarely—if ever—paid for breakfast? He went to Van-derbilt, so I knew he was smarter than a fifth-grader. Beyond that, though, I saw his insightful way of adding value to the rest of us without making it about himself. Among men, that’s not always the case.
I’ve seen firsthand his love of the Lord and his heart for others, and those show in this tour of the Lord’s Prayer. I urge you to walk with Chuck and Dr. Doug through this book. It contains rich stuff. You won’t regret it.
—Jeff Foxworthy
Blue Collar Comedy Tour, Author, Television Host
—Ernie Johnson, Jr.
Studio Host, The NBA on TNT
When it comes to the Lord’s Prayer, I used to say it more than pray it. I at-tribute that change to Chuck Scott. Among the marvelous blessings and wonderful people I’ve met in this life, I am especially thankful to know Chuck Scott and to do life with him.
If you’ve ever had those special people in your life—the ones who help you both aspire and become a better version of yourself— you’ll under-stand my fondness for Chuck. Our study of the Lord’s Prayer together has been another life chapter of growing in my faith and (hopefully) maturing into a positive influence on others.
Don’t get me wrong—Chuck is quite human, especially on a golf course. I don’t think I’ve seen a talented athlete and mature leader resort to whining when things don’t go his way as much as Chuck. In more than one memorable round, the only thing worse than his slice is the even worse slice that’s coming with his next shot. Sometimes, just to be sure he finishes be-fore running out of balls, I ask him if he’s ever tried using some lip balm on his driver, to modify his spin and help his ball go where he intends. (Not that I ever did that in a baseball game, but it worked for him!)
Kidding aside, Chuck has spent intentional time with my other friends and me, listening, encouraging, asking good questions, and serving as a catalyst for me to make a more positive difference in the places I go and the people I know. The truths in the Lord’s Prayer have been among the most tangible, transformative agents of change on my maturity path.
I recommend this book to you. I hope the content helps you as much as it has me, and I hope Chuck’s mature and joyful spirit jumps off the pages to you as if you were in a small group or on a retreat with him. Good things await you!
—John Smoltz
Pitcher, MLB Hall of Fame
Lead Game Analyst, Fox Sports Television
Okay, girls, by the time you reach this page, you get the picture. This is a man book. Of course,
you can also benefit richly from the insights and stories on the following pages, but just know, Chuck and
Doug wrote their book with men in mind. And this is one lady who is grateful. Let me explain…
I have long made it my goal to help the amazing Ken Tada connect with God and the godly men
he loves. I smile inside when I hear the ruckus in Ken’s ‘fish room,’ knowing he’s pulling down his gear
and getting ready for Montana and flyfishing with his friends. I wave him goodbye at the door, knowing
he will come home inspired, refreshed, and loving the Lord more.
This is what happened when Ken read Living the Lord’s Prayer – the book you hold in your hands stirred
his soul for Jesus and offered a blueprint on how he can go even deeper in his relationship with his Father
in heaven. He grabbed the invitation to live out the Lord’s prayer, to view it as a map for following hot on
the heels of Jesus. And Ken does indeed make Matthew 6:9-13 part of his daily rhythm of life. With his
friends. With me. And with his Savior.
I love cheering on my man. I just bet you do, too. Ladies, we’ve been blessed with the glorious
honor of helping our guys be all that God intends them to be. We’ve been blessed to journey alongside
them as they follow Christ, lead others, and figure out how to be real in a world of noise. Living the
Lord’s Prayer pulls the reader to the center. It reminds us where our strength comes from, who we are
accountable to, and what it looks like to live fully dependent on God.
So drop a copy of Living the Lord’s Prayer on the desk of your favorite guy. Then cheer him on in
your prayers as he flips to the first page. Intercede with me that they lean into this remarkable book,
learning to live and pray like sons of our Father – humbly, courageously, and expectantly.
—Joni Eareckson Tada, CEO/Founder
Joni and Friends International Disability Center
Agoura, CA
From Newt… Chuck brings the Lord's Prayer to life as he faithfully shares what he has been living alongside
other men over the past several years.
Living the Lord's Prayer is insightful, practical and very relational, because Chuck Scott is a devoted follower
of Jesus who has joyfully and persistently pursued relationships with the people God brings into his life.
With 35 years on Young Life staff, Chuck has walked in the footsteps of his parents, Charlie and Mary Scott,
who significantly shaped our global ministry in its formative stages.
In this enjoyable and challenging book, Chuck and Doug lead us in making Jesus' prayer a guide for our lives
with our good and loving Heavenly Father and with those He gives us to bless. Don't just read this book - live
it!
From Susan… Chuck Scott is a man who is devoted to Jesus and to the daily living of the prayer He taught us
to pray. Chuck believes that there is no higher calling than to encourage someone in the Lord. This is what he
has done for us in this book and for countless others as he has poured into many lives through his faithful
ministry to both kids and adults in Young Life over many years.
I personally have been blessed by Chuck and seeing the fruit of his impact on men who he has walked with
and discipled. Many have been encouraged and shaped by his faith and his personal living out the Lord’s
Prayer. I never leave a conversation with Chuck without being impacted by his humility, love for others, faith
in all that Jesus can do for someone, and his relational giftedness that stems from his knowing the Father’s
great love for him. So, while this is a book with stories from men, women too will be encouraged by the love
and provision of our heavenly Father for us even as we are reminded of our identity as His daughters. Offering
practical encouragement and pointing us to scriptural truths, Chuck is an authentic guide to living the Lord’s
prayer.
—Newt and Susan Crenshaw
CEO/President
Young Life, Colorado Springs, CO
I went to the Vandy of the West, Stanford, so I can only write a little better than Chuck! But
enough of that, seriously…
If you have had the opportunity to spend any meaningful time with Chuck Scott, you know he is
a man who loves the Lord. I have had that opportunity. In fact, I had the distinct pleasure being
part of one of his many mens’ groups through the years. I know he loves Jesus as it shows in his
words and generous actions.
One of the gifts that Chuck, knowingly or not, bestowed upon me and the group as a whole, was
his ability to receive, to accept the Lord's love, a father's love. Chuck used the term “Abba” when
speaking of his Father's love for him. I don't know that I have heard another person use the
phrase “Abba” with such love and reverence. It is so appropriate that Chuck and Doug have
written a book about the impact of the Lord's Prayer. Or, as Chuck might have said in our group
years ago, his “Abba's prayer.”
This book and its amazing lessons were birthed from Chuck's personal prayer journey to pray
each word of the Lord's Prayer. Fortunately for me, I was around Chuck while he first starting on
his journey and saw firsthand the impact it had on him. I encourage you to read this book, ask
yourself the hard questions, bathe in the grace of God, and you will be hard pressed to ever recite
this prayer with the monotony you may have subscribed to it before. I certainly will not.
Chuck makes it clear: the Bible and its teachings are about a relationship with God. That
relationship, to me, is one of the most powerful lessons Living the Lord’s Prayer brings to life.
Whether he is sharing about his prayer life, his work with Young Life, or his Adventure outings,
Chuck always refers to his daily conversations with Jesus. It is evident - Chuck truly talks to God
and listens for Him. I’ve asked him if God speaks to him in Hebrew, Greek, or Latin. Chuck, in
his typical southern “aw shucks” way, humbly states, "Thankfully, it's in Greek. I don't know
Latin or Hebrew."
I hope you enjoy the inspiration, the depth, and, yes, the humor of Living the Lord’s Prayer as
much as I have. And I hope you’re different because of it.
- Lester Archambeau, Player Director
NFL Players Association
Washington, D.C.
Living the Lord’s Prayer brings the most known prayer to life in a new and enlightening way, accessible to each of us and challenging to grow in our faith spiritually and in the most practical of ways.
Mark Zoradi
CEO (Retired), Cinemark Theaters; President of Marketing (Retired), Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group
Living the Lord’s Prayer really hit home for me. I have “said” the prayer thousands of times before every game I played with the 49ers, and in church every Sunday…and yet have never “dug in” like Chuck and Doug do in this book. Chuck breaks down the Lord’s Prayer like he used to break down defenses at Vandy and in the NFL – running the tape back and forth, hitting on every nuance…If only he would have had some speed! Living the Lord’s Prayer is truly a game-changer in how we relate to our Heavenly Father!
Brent Jones
49ers, College Football Hall of Fame; Northgate Capital, Superior Athlete to Chuck Scott
A highlight of my weeks is taking a break from the noise and the many responsibilities the Lord has blessed Tammy and I with, to meet buds in a small study group. This book will definitely be our next focus. Thanks Chuck and Doug for the chapter questions and action steps.
Eric Gustavson
Co-Owner, Spendthrift Farm; Derby winner Authentic & Leading sire Into Mischief, Lexington, KY
There’s been 2000 years of the Lord’s prayer, and no one’s ever run out of learning from it, doing something from it.
Steve Upton
Business Owner, Birmingham, AL
I was honored to give Chuck a little forearm experience, and I'm happy to know he isn’t going deep on the football field, but he is definitely going deep on the Lord’s Prayer!
Ronnie Lott
NFL and College Football Hall of Fame; Board of Directors, Suro Capital
It was Chuck’s journey with the Lord’s Prayer that reinforced for me the importance of not just “saying” the Lord’s Prayer but abiding in it, not just “praying” but living it! The Lord is pleased when we are faithfully “living the Lord’s prayer.” Thank you, Chuck, for being faithful to this calling.
Todd Peterson
NFL Placekicker, 1993–2005; Chairman, Pro Athletes Outreach and Chairman Emeritus, Seed Company
I love the passion that Chuck and Doug have for seeing people embrace the Lord's Prayer TODAY and everyday! I've known Chuck for quite some time and know that he lives what he "preaches". He regularly talks about the impact the Lord's Prayer has had on his life; I'm so excited to see him finally put his experiences into a book for all to share.
Steve SeifortPublic Square, Inc.
Naples, FL
Chuck and Doug’s book is no less than a narrative adventure, practical value-add, and spiritual inspiration all at the same time. The Lord’s Prayer has been an important part of my Catholic faith, though I’ve said it more than studied it. Yes, I’ll share this difference-maker with friends and clients.
Mark Faust
Founder/CEO, Echelon Management; Author, “High Growth Levers” & “Growth or Bust”
If you've ever wondered what the difference is between having a prayer life and living a prayerful life, here it is. Chuck and Doug have given us a gift that's both practical and rooted in timeless truth.
Brian Wells
CEO Forum; Author, “League and the Lantern” series, Movie Producer
Men and Ladies, read this! Written by my longtime friends and ministry partners, Chuck and Doug, it invites us to rethink how we pray—and how we live—through honest insights and real-life application. Though aimed in part at men, its message is relevant to all and will be useful for leaders who lead others.
Alison McCauley
Young Life Divisional Coordinator, Crooked Creek Ranch, Fraser, CO
Reciting this prayer growing up was just me saying it without reflecting on the meaning. Thanks Chuck and Doug for sharing this book. The temptation chapter is what resonates the most and I’ll come back to it.
Tom Sullivan
Talk Media Network; Member, Talkers Heavy Hundred, Sacramento, CA
“I’m His Boy” is a great chapter. The Lord loves us, is for us, is not disappointed in us, and His grace reminds me of my true identity, as His. I gotta work at remembering this: I didn’t always know it.
– Duane Donner, Founders Advisors
Founder, The Heritage Forum
Birmingham, AL
I knew the Lord’s Prayer mostly in the form of memorize and speak in routine. The words of this book now make me pause and reflect on what it truly means.
– Thomas Pfeifer, Finance, Parker, CO
It’s His day! Thank you guys! Share it!
– Pierre Koshockji, Energy Executive, Dallas, TX
That verse (lead me not into temptation) changed my whole spiritual life. My mind tends to wander. I stink at being still. At focusing. I like to walk and talk and think and work. Now I just take those thoughts into obedience with Jesus, asking Him what to do with them. When I wait, He answers.
– Walter Tutt, Turkey Man
Tutt Land Company
Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida
When the applause and compliments come my way, I don’t need to get puffed up and I certainly don’t need to chase more affirmations. I now respond, “It’s about Thee, not me. What I have is Thine, not mine.” Chuck’s teaching on the Lord’s prayer – and his friendship – has helped me “flip the switch.”
– Trevor Shaw
Founder, Lake Fawnsdale Farm
I’ve never seen my husband more alive in his faith than since he began Living in the Lord’s Prayer. This book reflects his heartfelt passion to help others experience the joy, depth, and purpose of walking daily with Jesus.
– Julie Scott, Regional Director
Young Life Haiti
Instead of seeing ourselves as citizens of earth trying to make time for spiritual things, Chuck and Doug reminded me that we’re citizens of Heaven, and only visiting this planet. Now I just need to live it out.
– Steve Sansone, Sageview Advisors
Managing Director, Retirement Plan Consulting
Santa Clarita, CA
“On earth as it is in heaven” compels me to actively and proactively care about what God cares about.
– Chap Clark, Ph.D., ParenTeen, Institute for Ministry Leadership
Author, Hurt 2.0, Sticky Faith, Adoptive Church
Gig Harbor, WA
Our Father, two simple words. Brothers and sisters, if you have not yet met Our Father, and even if you are journeying with Him daily, I want to encourage you to do so with the help of Chuck and Doug's book. Full of challenging questions and clear direction on next steps, this journey through the Lord's Prayer is helping me become a better husband, father, son, and a more loving member of Our Father’s family.
– Dan Wood
Chairman of the Board
National Christian College Athletic Association
Chuck is a person who has experienced enough joy and heartache in life that has sensitized his heart to the Lord’s heart. These insights are deep and very relatable, coming from a guy who has lived and applied what he offers to others in these pages.
– Pat Goodman, Teaching / Men’s Pastor
Grace Fellowship Church, Timonium, MD
As a person of faith who cares about those who feel far from God, I love how Chuck and Doug make the Lord’s Prayer practical for the believer and the not-so-religious. They do so with authenticity and humor. I’ll be quoting it in messages and applying it to my life, and hope you do too.
– Matt Massey, Senior Pastor
Vineyard Community Church, Cincinnati, OH
The veil is thin between living, praying and acting. At the center of following Jesus is the intimacy of joining our daily lives into the daily activities of our shared Father. Gratitude, forgiveness, worship, anticipation, hope, reliance... these are the marks of life well-lived and Chuck and Doug take us, hand-by-hand – on that journey of faith.
– Deacon Nathan Gunn, Young Life Global Catholic / Major Cities
Author "Lead Like Mary – A Primer in Marian Leadership", Syracuse, NY
A must-read for anyone ready to move beyond rote prayer and into the deep, ever-unfolding mystery of “Our Father.”
– Bob Schrimpf, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church
Western Regional Director, The Evangelical Catholic, San Diego, CA
I am reminded of Chuck almost daily. Every morning when I first get up, I do stretches before I start my day and I have flashbacks to doing “Choga” on the ski trips before we hit the slopes.
– Dr. Jerry Turner, Family Physician
Columbus, MS
I will use the framework of Living the Lord’s Prayer in leading men’s adventures myself. Chuck and Doug translate their passion for discipleship into a readable, engaging format that is remarkable, and I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone looking to grow spiritually or lead others in doing the same.
– Tim Lukei, Mens’ Pastor, Mariners Church
Founder, Maverick River Collective, Irvine, CA
I agree. The Lord’s Prayer – the Our Father – sometimes I think people recite it sort of like the Pledge of Allegiance: we probably mean it, but we’re not really thinkin’ about it when we’re saying it. Now I’m livin’ it.
– Greg Boyd, Golfer
Duluth, GA
Living the Lord’s Prayer is both an instant challenge and a lifelong goal. Chuck and Doug have not only written this book but they are living it out every day in their own lives. I encourage you to read it slowly and apply the wisdom in these pages. You won’t regret it.
– Dr. Larry Anderson, Pastor Emeritus, North Bible Church
Shepherding Pastor, Scottsdale Bible Church, Scottsdale, AZ
Living The Lord’s Prayer is a blessing that He has shared and even better shown me through you, Chuck! Living The Lord’s Prayer is changing me and helping me to realize all that He has, needs, and wants me to be. I’m grateful and thankful TODAY!
– Brandon Rushin, Entertaingelist
Speaker, Emcee, Buford, GA
What you’re holding in your hand is a very helpful tool to get the love of God into you — down into your bones — so that it will have its full effect. It is as profound as it is simple — to soak in the principles that Jesus taught us and let them come to define us.
– Dr. Scott Lisea, Campus Pastor
Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA
From the growing up years to college football pre-games to adult years in church, I’ve sure prayed the Lord’s Prayer a lot but haven’t dug into the truths it contains. Thanks Chuck and Doug for prompting a profoundly deeper and delightfully practical further study.
– G. Laurence Coppedge, Cardinal Capital Management
Wilmore, KY
Upon reading this work, the reality of TODAY grips my heart for we don’t know if we will have a tomorrow. As a coach in professional sports, I see men whose identities become woven into performance and failure becomes final. I’ve found several points of “Chuckology” to be so, so helpful and significant.
– Tom Bender, President/Founder
Bender Performance, Nashville, TN
Living the Lord’s Prayer is more than a book! With heartfelt wisdom and spiritual depth, Chuck and Doug led me beyond simply reciting the words to embodying the prayer’s powerful truths in everyday life. This book awakened my heart, challenged my perspective, and inspired me in my longtime aim to live with purpose, grace, and trust.
– Dwight Mason, Lead Pastor
NewPointe Church, Dover, OH
I realize that my ‘Daily Bread’ is a gift from God and can come in many ways. Being in His Word every morning helps me realize this truth.
– David Pursell
Pursell Farms, Sylacauga, AL
I’ve spent a lot of my life committed to being a manly man, with the toys and portfolio to prove it. How amazing now that the times I feel most manly, most confident, most empowered… is when I’m calling to my Abba, my Dad.
– Fred Sunday, YPO
Pacific Northwest
This book extends beyond a mere exposition of The Lord’s Prayer; it offers a profound practical perspective from two men who have diligently incorporated the Lord’s Prayer into their daily lives for as long as I’ve known them, starting with that first golf retreat.
– Rick Baker, Founder, Becky Baker Foundation
Author, “No Goodbyes”, Colorado Springs, CO
That’s Chuck, a kid with a lunch that is more than willing to offer it up to the Savior and watch, with deep respect and gratitude, as the Savior multiplies it into the lives of those who are hungry and in need in our broken and hurting world.
– Marty Caldwell, Senior Vice President
Young Life, Tempe, AZ
Tim Keller said the Lord‘s Prayer powerfully sums up everything that God tells us in His Word in a few succinct phrases. My teammate and friend Chuck Scott has been praying, living, and helping others live the Lord‘s Prayer for years. Chuck and Doug’s book brings it alive for you in real life practical ways.
– Jeff Kemp, QB, L.A. Rams
Author, Founder of MenHuddle, Little Rock, AR
“This day” is about TODAY. Right here. Right now. Not tomorrow. Not yesterday. Thanks Chuck and Doug for the constant reminder that it’s about TODAY.
– Dr. Emmett Cooper
Chelsea, AL
Biblical truths that I have heard and known since childhood, woven together beautifully — a contexture that has brought the Lord’s Prayer and me to life.
– E. Ted Seitz, Principal Gift Officer
Young Life, Portland, OR
Chuck has been one of the most influential brothers in my life. Too many of us get too caught up in the troubles of this world. And, yes, I’ve got plenty of ‘em. Living the Lord’s Prayer has helped focus me on the “Life That is Truly Life” that is available for you and me today.
– Trey Miller, Founder & CEO
Southern Andiron & Tool Co., Chamblee, GA
We’re grateful to have a dad who walks with Jesus every day. He’s full of wisdom and great stories, but we’re just as surprised as anyone who knows him that he actually wrote a book. That alone is proof miracles still happen.
– Chad Scott, Senior Data Scientist
Deloitte, Caleb Scott, Managing Director
Beamon Ventures, Dr. Jenna Scott Powers, MD
There is only one place Jesus tells us what to say to God in prayer. The importance of those words for us cannot be overstated. Chuck and Doug mine deep into God’s heart for us in an engaging and relatable way. And then, they show us how to go and live it out, TODAY!
– Jay Panther, U.S. Ski Team
AVP / NVL Pro Beach Volleyball
Young Life ONE, Orange County, CA
I played ball with Chuck and have known Doug since the 80’s. They’ve really brought the Lord’s Prayer alive here and it will benefit Cathy and I in our daily prayers and life choices.
– Mike McDonald
Former Player, L.A. Rams, U.S.C.
Realtor, Burbank/Glendale, CA
I’ve been blessed by my Jewish heritage, a famous dad, the gift of Christian faith, and being elected to public service. Living the Lord’s Prayer goes far deeper into our Heavenly Father’s love and provision, our identity as His adopted sons and daughters, the practical side of faith, and serving others. It’s inspiring!
– Phil Heimlich
Former City Council & County Commissioner
Cincinnati, OH
Chuck and Doug do quite a fine job of both unpacking and diving deep into the most recited prayer in Christendom. This is truly a life-changing journey through the Lord's Prayer.
– Dwight Stephenson, St. Benedict's Abbey
Executive Director of Operations and Finance
Atchison, KS
Living the Lord’s Prayer has left an indelible mark on my life. The urgency of living out the perfect prayer TODAY has changed my daily walk with Jesus. Thank you for the labor of love in writing this book.
– Dale Armstrong
Chief Revenue Officer
The Signatry
(Nashville, TN)
We can read the Bible over and over again and see something new and different each time. These two men have studied, worked, and written this book for us all to benefit from their insights. I highly encourage you to read Living the Lord’s Prayer as Chuck and Doug and go deeper into what it says and means to live out this prayer that Jesus gave us to say and live. Powerful insights!
– Ford Taylor, Founder
FSH Consulting LLC / Leadership Training
Author, Relactional Leadership
