Lord’s Day 49
Q124. What does the third request mean?
"Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" means: Help us and all people to say no to our own selfish wishes and to obey your will instead, because your will alone is good. Help all of us to do the work you have given us as willingly and faithfully as the angels do in heaven.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Matthew 7:21
Matthew 16:24–26
Luke 22:42
Romans 12:1–2
Titus 2:11–12
1 Corinthians 7:17–24
Ephesians 6:5–9
Psalm 103:20–21
“Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What are we asking God to help us do when we pray "your will be done"?
- 2
Why is it hard to say no to our own wishes and follow God's will instead?
- 3
Can you think of a time when what you wanted was different from what God wanted?
Illustration
Angels in heaven obey God immediately, without complaining or dragging their feet. When we pray "your will be done on earth as in heaven," we are asking God to make us more like those angels. Willing, cheerful, and quick to do what he says.
Application
The next time your parents or a teacher asks you to do something you do not feel like doing, do it without grumbling. Pray beforehand: "God, help me obey your will through the people you have placed over me." Because this prayer is about surrender, small acts of obedience are real practice.