Theology Thursday
Q. 103. 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 in all things, as the angels do in heaven.
Westminster Shorter Catechism
The idea of someone getting their own way in everything is a concerning thought. We think of the Putin’s of the world whose desire is their will to be done in Ukraine (and beyond?) as it is in Russia… not great.
But what about a God who is good, who hates evil, who is all-knowing and perfectly wise. A God-King whose will is good for His subjects and who is generously in the provisions of His Kingdom.
Wouldn’t you want this King’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven? In fact, the only people who wouldn’t want such an outcome, who would have anything to fear from this cause, would be those whose desire is to practise evil.
And this highlights the danger. We hear God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven and we think everywhere but ourselves. Yes, if only people did God’s will in Russia or if only my neighbour bowed to God.
But what about our own hearts? Let’s start there. What does it look like for God’s will to be done in your heart like it is in heaven? What does it look like for God’s will to be done in your mind like it is in heaven? What does it look like for God’s will to be done in your decision making and actions like it is in heaven?
In case that’s a bit abstract for you. What does it look like for you to do God’s will this week? What would that look like in your head, your heart and with your hands?
We who see God’s goodness and who recognise our own rebellion for what it is, a terrible wrong, we can pray this prayer in full voice. And seek its outcome by living according to His will today.
Today:
Pray:
Passages: Psalm 19:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 13:20-21
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 in all things, as the angels do in heaven.
Westminster Shorter Catechism
The idea of someone getting their own way in everything is a concerning thought. We think of the Putin’s of the world whose desire is their will to be done in Ukraine (and beyond?) as it is in Russia… not great.
But what about a God who is good, who hates evil, who is all-knowing and perfectly wise. A God-King whose will is good for His subjects and who is generously in the provisions of His Kingdom.
Wouldn’t you want this King’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven? In fact, the only people who wouldn’t want such an outcome, who would have anything to fear from this cause, would be those whose desire is to practise evil.
And this highlights the danger. We hear God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven and we think everywhere but ourselves. Yes, if only people did God’s will in Russia or if only my neighbour bowed to God.
But what about our own hearts? Let’s start there. What does it look like for God’s will to be done in your heart like it is in heaven? What does it look like for God’s will to be done in your mind like it is in heaven? What does it look like for God’s will to be done in your decision making and actions like it is in heaven?
In case that’s a bit abstract for you. What does it look like for you to do God’s will this week? What would that look like in your head, your heart and with your hands?
We who see God’s goodness and who recognise our own rebellion for what it is, a terrible wrong, we can pray this prayer in full voice. And seek its outcome by living according to His will today.
Today:
- When have you ever felt like crying out, God’s will be done on earth as in heaven?
- Have you memorised the Lord’s Prayer?
- Pray God’s will be done today in your life and in our world.
Pray:
- Praise the Father that He is good and His will for our world is good.
- Give thanks that Jesus Christ came to do the will of God, saving sinners and showing His goodness.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to be at work today in you and others to turn from rebellion to faithful followers.
Passages: Psalm 19:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 13:20-21
Posted in Theology Thursday
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