We might feel strange at times when we pray this second petition, “Thy kingdom come,” if we actually stopped to think about what we are praying. God’s kingdom consists of three distinct kingdoms, the kingdom of power, which consists of all creatures and is, contrary to popular belief, not mother nature, but is under God’s rule and power. The kingdom of Grace is God’s church here on earth, and the kingdom of Glory is the church in heaven.
In this second petition we are praying, first, for the kingdom of Grace. That is, we are praying that God the Father would continue to send the Holy Spirit (this has already been done, at Pentecost) to be among us. After Jesus ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit (who is still here working today) to work in the hearts of all, that all people might come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. We are praying that we will be instruments of the Holy Spirit that He might work through us to bring others to faith in Jesus that they might receive eternal life in heaven also.
We are also praying for the kingdom of Glory, that is, heaven. We are praying that God would quickly bring all men to faith, and just as quickly bring about the end of this sinful world and (to coin a phrase) “take us from this vale of tears to be with Him in heaven.”
It is amazing what you pray for when you do not think about what you are praying for, or do not know. What are we praying for ourselves? We are praying for ourselves that God would work continued faith and strengthening of that faith in our hearts so that we might be better witnesses for Him, of His grace and love here on earth. We also pray that our leading a godly life and strengthening of our faith would prepare us to be ready for the end of our days here on earth and the beginning of our perfection in heaven for eternity.
Now, just because we are praying for the hastening of God’s kingdom does not mean that it is going to come today or tomorrow. We should, also, not fear this coming of the end times but be ready in our faith in Jesus, knowing that we will be in heaven with Him. We are praying for the coming of God’s kingdom of grace that others, especially those who have not yet heard of Jesus (as, and especially, missions) might have the chance to hear and believe and also have the assurance of eternal life in heaven.
As a word of encouragement to you, let me ask that, as you pray this petition, you allow the Holy Spirit to move you that you might be a part of this mission effort. May you be moved to become a missionary, or donate some monetary gift, or became a better missionary in your own neighborhood. God grant an answer to your prayer, this petition, for Jesus’ sake.
Dear Father in Heaven, forgive me when I neglect to spread Your Word, especially when I neglect to live as a witness of Your Word. Fill me with Your Spirit that I might be empowered to share my faith with others through my actions as well as through speaking to them. Bless my mission work here in this place that it might bring praise to Your name. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
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