Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
What would it be like if God ruled this earth? What would it be like if we all actually did God’s will? Those are interesting questions.
We complain about our government. Could we do better? Doubtful. Could God do better? I think so. I hope so.
We have no real understanding of what God’s kingdom, God’s rule, would be like. We do have glimpses. When we soak in the mystery of nature that can heal itself when given the chance, the spectacular beauty of our world even in the tiniest of flowers, the awesomeness of new life in a child, in an animal, in a plant, we know there is goodness, and beauty, and creativity in God’s realm, God’s rule. You would think then, that it would be easy to truly pray, “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
The truth is, when we think about this part of the Christian Family Prayer, we’re maybe not quite so sure that we want God’s will done. Even Jesus’ struggled with God’s will, especially in the garden of Gethsemane. Do we want God’s will or ours? We see and experience the evil on this earth – that mysterious force that leads us and others to hurt one another and destroy the earth. But, if we all automatically followed God’s will, then our choice, our wills would be free no longer. We like that freedom.
For example: Scientists tell us there is enough food grown and produced on this earth that no one need go hungry. World hunger is the result of a distribution problem. We, the few, have so much more than we need. Many live in want. In order for all to have enough, maybe our portion would be greatly reduced. Do we want that? God’s will would require much more creative thinking of us. We’d have to look beyond our own wants and needs.
This part of our prayer is risky. If fulfilled it would lead us into new territory. It would bring change, drag us out of our comfort zone. Do we really want God’s will done on earth? We have a saying, “Be careful what you pray for. God may give it to you.” This Christian family prayer of Jesus is radical stuff. If we pray this part with all our hearts, things will change. Do we have the courage to pray these words? Do we have enough love to go all around the world?