Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. - Matthew 6:10 ESV
What exactly am I asking when I pray, “Your kingdom come?” Two things come to mind.
First, I’m asking for Jesus to come back and begin His reign on earth. Life can be hard and wearying; I look forward to Jesus’ return and everlasting life with Him. When I think of all the glorious things I have to look forward to, I want Jesus to come now. It’s the response that John had after he had received the Revelation from Jesus.
He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon."
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! - Revelation 22:20 ESV
I’m also reminded of all parables in the gospels that Jesus used the kingdom of heaven to refer to his followers. (Search “kingdom of heaven” in the gospels to find examples of this.) This thought leads me to pray for those I know and love who do not yet have a relationship with Jesus, that they would understand and accept the gospel and become part of God’s kingdom on earth. I also ask God to guide me in sharing His love with those who need it.
This, praying for people to be saved and become Jesus-followers, is also part of praying for God’s will to be done. Peter tells us that God doesn’t want anybody to perish because they have rejected Jesus.
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness,
but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should
perish but that all should come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9 NKJV
That brings us to my last thoughts on praying “your kingdom come.” I need patience and persistence to keep praying for people and to trust in God’s timing, both for people’s salvation and for Jesus’ return. I must remember that He is my Sovereign King.
Think About: What are you asking for when you pray “your kingdom come?”
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