God’s Kingdom and His Will

10. What is meant when we pray for God’s Kingdom to come?

¹⁰ “Let your kingdom come.” (Matthew 6:10; Luke 11:2) The Kingdom here meant is the sovereign rulership of Jehovah, as expressed through the heavenly Messianic government in the hands of Jesus Christ and his associated “holy ones.” (Daniel 7:13, 14, 18, 27; Isaiah 9:6, 7; 11:1-5) What is meant by praying for it to “come”? This means that we ask that God’s Kingdom come against all earthly opposers of divine rulership. After the Kingdom ‘crushes and puts an end to all earthly kingdoms,’ it will transform the earth into a global paradise.​—Daniel 2:44; Luke 23:43.

11. If we long to see Jehovah’s will done throughout the universe, what will we do?

¹¹ “Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” (Matthew 6:10) This is a request that God carry out his purpose toward the earth, which includes removing his enemies. (Psalm 83:9-18; 135:6-10) In fact, it implies that we long to see the divine will done throughout the universe. If that is in our heart, we will always do Jehovah’s will to the best of our ability. We could not honestly make such a petition if we did not earnestly endeavor to have God’s will done in our own case. If we are praying in this way, then, we should make sure that we do not do things contrary to that will, such as courting an unbeliever or adopting worldly ways. (1 Corinthians 7:39; 1 John 2:15-17) Rather, we should always have in mind the thought, ‘What is Jehovah’s will in this matter?’ Yes, if we love God with all our heart, we will seek his direction in all of life’s affairs.​—Matthew 22:37.

21. How have we benefited from praying for the Kingdom?

²¹ Our heavenly Father, who delivers us from the wicked one, delights in blessing us abundantly. Yet, why has he for such a long time allowed his dear people to pray, “Let your kingdom come”? Well, over the years, praying in this way has increased our desire and appreciation for the Kingdom. Such prayer reminds us of the great need for this benevolent heavenly government. It also keeps before us the hope of life under Kingdom rule.​—Revelation 21:1-5.