Lesson #103—Prayer: God’s Will Be Done

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Shorter Catechism Q & A #103

Q. What do we pray for in the third petition?

A. In the third petition (which is, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven) we pray, That God, by his grace, would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to his will all things, as the angels do in heaven.

Memorize Q&A—Exposition

The emphasis in this petition is on the will or desire of the Triune God; which speaks of his decree, purpose, or choice. Acknowledging that Christ’s kingdom has come and is being built and advancing, we desire that we will be able and willing servants of the King. He who is “prince of the kings of this earth,” has prepared us to be “kings and priests unto God” (Rev. 1:5–6), that we might faithfully submit to his will.

What does it mean?

What do we ask for that we may be made able to know, obey, and submit to God’s will in all things?

• Ps. 119:34–36—understanding leads to obedience; walking in the way of God’s commandments; incline our hearts to God’s testimony.
• Matt.26:39—Obedience to God’s will is a covenant practice.
• 2 Sam.15:25—God’s will is recognized in those who find favor in him.
• Job 1:21—God’s will is accomplished in all things.
• Ps. 103:20–22—Discuss the nature of the will of God.

What is our practice?

We come to our Father in heaven expecting him to carry out his plan and purpose in and through us. As Christians, we walk by faith. In so doing we submit ourselves to our King, having as our ambition, “to be pleasing to him” (2 Cor. 5:7–9). Thomas Vincent wrote: “We pray that God’s will may be done by ourselves and others on earth, universally, readily, unweariedly, constantly, even as it is done in heaven” (Shorter Catechism explained)

Quotes for thought and discussion:

“Do the angels in heaven do the will of God? Yes: they do his commandments, hearkening to the voice of his word, Ps. 103:20. Do they do it readily? Yes: they fly swiftly, Dan. 9:21. Do they do it zealously? Yes: for they are a flaming fire, Ps. 104:4. Do they do it with an eye to God? Yes: for they always behold the face of our Father, Matt. 18:10. And are we to pray that God’s will may so be done on earth? Yes: that the kingdoms of this world may become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, Rev. 11:15.” (Matthew Henry, A Scripture Catechism)

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