Thy Kingdom Come

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray, “Thy Kingdom Come.” The Greek New Testament word for Kingdom is “βασιλεία.” (Pronounced basileia). Its root word is the word for King “βασιλεύς” (basileus). This word for Kingdom speaks about the King’s active, authoritative rule. The Old Testament Hebrew word for Kingdom, “malkhut” (מַלְכוּת) (pronounced mal-KHOOT), is also formed from its root word for “King” melekh (מֶלֶךְ), also emphasizing the King ruling in his sovereign authority.

From these biblical words, we learn that when we pray for “God’s Kingdom to come” we are not praying for a geographical place to arrive, but rather for God to rule and reign in the fullness of His authority over us and the world.

With this in mind, praying “Thy Kingdom Come” focuses our attention on at least two things.

First, on the Great Commission mission of God. That God would reign in His love, grace, and mercy, producing faith that saves through the Gospel. And we can pray this specifically for those we know, meet, and love who have yet to receive Jesus as their Savior, as well as this same missionary Gospel proclamation goes forth to reach all people wherever they have yet to hear and receive the Good News.

Second, we can also pray “Thy Kingdom Come,” focused on seeking the Holy Spirit’s formation of the character of Christ in us and others through God’s Word. (e.g., the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5). Praying that God’s active reigning in us through the Gospel would transform our lives into Christ-likeness.

Lord, may You continue to extend and expand Your kingdom rule and authority–so that all might be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth, and may You fully form the character and way of Jesus in us so that we are always reflecting Your Gospel heart in the way we live.