Introduction
God’s kingdom of grace comes to us before we ask for it. But because we have enemies who would rob us of it, we pray that god would break and hinder their efforts. We pray also that others may enter this kingdom of grace, and that all of us together may finally be received into the kingdom of glory.
The Second Petition
Thy kingdom come.
What does this mean?
The kingdom of God certainly comes of itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also.
How does God’s kingdom come?
The kingdom of God comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and live godly lives here in time and hereafter in eternity.
- What is the kingdom of God spoken of in the Second Petition?
The kingdom of God spoken of in the Second Petition is the kingdom of grace and glory. (See Question 177.)
- For what do we pray in the Second Petition?
In the Second Petition we pray that through the work fo the Holy Spirit God’s kingdom of grace- may come to us,
- be extended to others through the work of missions and
- that we all may soon be gathered into glory.
- When do we pray this petition in a manner pleasing to God?
We pray this petition in a manner pleasing to God when we also accept the responsibility of extending the kingdom of grace to others. (See Questions 205, 208 and 209.)
The Third Petition
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
What does this mean?
The good and gracious will of God is certainly done without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done also among us.
How is God’s will done?
God’s will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil counsel and will, which would not let us hallow His name nor let His kingdom come, such as the will of the devil, the world and our own flesh; but strengthens and keeps us steadfast in His Word and in faith until our end. This is His good and gracious will.
- What is the good and gracious will of God?
The good and gracious will of God is that His name be hallowed and His kingdom come.
- What seeks to hinder this good and gracious will of God?
Our spiritual enemies, the devil, the world and our own sinful flesh seek to hinder the good and gracious will of God. (See Question 203.)
Bible Example: The devil misled man to sin.
Bible Example: The enemies of Jesus brought about the fall of Peter.
Bible Example: Achan’s sinful flesh induced him to steal.
- Are the troubles we experience a part of God’s will?
God often permits troubles to come to us, but instead of letting them harm us, He turns them into blessing for us. (See “faith healing” in the Glossary.)
Bible Example: The sin of Joseph’s brothers turned into blessing.
- For what do we pray in the Third Petition?
In the Third Petition we pra that God would break and hinder the will of our spiritual enemies and preserve us in His Word and grace.
Conclusion
God wants all people to be saved, to grow in faith and good works, and to bring His Word to others through the work of Christian missions. For this reason Jesus has taught us to ask our heavenly Father to extend His kingdom of grace to others, daily to strengthen His people, and finally to bring them all into His kingdom of glory. In this way His will is done among us on earth as it is done by the angels in heaven.
Hymn
Thy kingdom come! Thine let it be
In time and through eternity!
O let Thy Holy Spirit dwell
With us, to rule and guide us well;
From Satan’s mighty pow’r and rage
Preserve Thy Church from age to age.
Thy will be done on earth, O Lord,
As where in heav’n Thou art adored!
Patience in time of grief bestow,
Obedience true in weal and woe;
Our sinful flesh and blood control
That thwart Thy will within the soul. (ELH 383:3, 4).
Bible Readings
At home:
In class: