A UK survey found that the phrase “Give us this day our daily bread” from the Lord’s prayer was the most recognizable phrase. The study gave respondents seven lines from seven iconic pieces of literature, film, history, and music and was conducted by the Church of England through the research firm Savanta. The study interviewed 2,035 UK respondents online between 23rd May and 26th May and asked them to correctly identify lines like “May the Force be with you,” from Star Wars, “To be or not to be” from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. Other selections included “Never in the field of human conflict, was so much owed by so many to so few” from Churchill’s speech to the House of Commons in August 1940 during the Battle of Britain, “You’ll never walk alone” the anthem of Liverpool FC, and “Happy and glorious / Long to reign over us,” from “God Save the King.”

According to the study, 80.3% were able to identify “The Lord’s Prayer,” followed closely by the line from Star Wars at 79.9%. Hamlet came in third at 73%. The line from A Tale of Two Cities was the least identified at 39%. 89% of respondents were familiar with “The Lord’s Prayer” when asked. Unsurprisingly, 95% of those who identified as Christian were familiar with “The Lord’s Prayer,” but so were 88% of those who were religiously unaffiliated. 89% had also said the prayer, with 58% stating it was part of their daily life. Respondents were also asked to select which lines of the prayer were the most meaningful, with 43% selecting the line “and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

Stephen Cottrell, The Archbishop of York, who is currently leading a ‘Lord’s Prayer Tour’ addressed the study, saying, “These results reflect what we’ve been hearing across the North of England through our Faith in the North initiative, which invites people to explore the Lord’s Prayer.” He added, “Though ancient, its words continue to resonate with people of all faiths and none. In a world of shifting cultures and changing circumstances, the Lord’s Prayer remains a steady guide – perhaps never more so than now.” He pointed out the line in the prayer which says “Give us this day our daily bread” and said that it offers an important lesson, saying the purpose of the line is “reminding us to seek sufficiency, not excess, and to consider what ‘enough’ truly means.”