Episode 61: The Third Petition of the Lord’s Prayer

Episode 61: The Third Petition of the Lord’s Prayer

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 done even without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also.

How is God’s will done? God’s will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God’s name or let His kingdom come; and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die.

This is His good and gracious will.

Large Catechism on the Third Petition

  1. What does it mean for God’s good and gracious will to be done among us? What is God’s good and gracious will?
    1. When God breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God’s name or let His kingdom come; and when he guards and keeps us firm in His word and faith until we die. 

  2. Is God’s will sometimes hidden?
    1. Yes.

  3. How do you know that God’s Will is good for you, even if you do not know what it is?
    1. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18
    1. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
    1. He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32

  4. How do you know what God’s will is?
    1. Through his Word.
      1. God’s revealed will is either Law or Gospel.

  5. Circle the ones about which God reveals his will in Scripture.
    1. Whether you will become a millionaire.
    1. Who will win an election.
    1. Whether God wants you to love your neighbor or not.
    1. Whether God will forgive your sins for Christ’s sake.
    1. When the world will end.
    1. Whether God wants you to go to church and hear his Word and receive Jesus’ body and blood in the Sacrament.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:38
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” Matthew 24:36
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,” John 8:31

  • What three things do not want us to hallow God’s name or let his kingdom come (do not want God’s will to be done)?
    • The devil
    • The world
    • Our sinful nature
  • What should you do if your will differs from God’s will?
    • Pray to God that He would conform your will to His will.  

Your Gracious will on earth be done

As it is done before Your throne,

That patiently we may obey

Throughout our lives all that you say.

Curb flesh and blood and ev’ry ill

That sets itself against Your will.

Amen. (Martin Luther, Our Father, Who from Heaven Above, LSB 766:4)

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