[Jesus said] Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we
also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
from evil.” (Matthew 6:9–13 ESV).
“Come it surely will, whether we ask or no. Indeed, God has
an eternal kingdom. For when did He not reign? When did He begin to reign? For
His kingdom has no beginning, neither shall it have any end. But that we may
know that in this prayer also we pray for ourselves, and not for God (for we do
not say, Your kingdom come, as though we were asking that God may reign); we
shall be ourselves His kingdom, if believing in Him we make progress in this
faith. All the faithful, redeemed by the Blood of His Only Son, will be His
kingdom.”
This petition carries three main layers
of meaning. First, it is a declaration of personal surrender. It means yielding
our will and desires to God's authority. It is a daily choice to let God's
principles—such as love, peace, and righteousness—reign in your own heart and
actions.
Second, it is a desire for Earthly transformation.
Even the most cynical non-believers cannot argue the need for our world’s transformation.
This is Jesus instructing His followers to be diligent in prayer for the world
to reflect God's goodness. It asks for an end to sin, injustice, and suffering,
and for the advancement of values like compassion, mercy, and truth throughout
society.
Third, it is an act of faith and hope in
the final fulfillment of the promises of God. The intention of God has always
been the redemption of His entire creation and a perfect rule over it by His
Son, Jesus. When the Kingdom of God comes, as it will, this will begin our eternal
joy and peace as His children! Oh, what a day that shall be! This is a prayer
to be said often!
