Q103. What do we pray for in the third request?
In the third request—"Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven"—we pray that God, by his grace, would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to his will in all things, just as the angels do in heaven.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Psalm 67
“God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.”
Psalm 119:36
“Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.”
Matthew 26:39
“And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”
2 Samuel 15:25
“And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation:”
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 praying for when we say "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven"?
- 2
How do the angels obey God in heaven, and why does that matter for us?
- 3
When is it hardest for you to want what God wants instead of what you want?
Illustration
When your parent asks you to clean your room, you can do it with a grumpy face and a stomping foot, or you can do it willingly because you trust your parent knows best. The angels obey God gladly, without grumbling or delay. This prayer asks God to help us obey that same way.
Application
Because God gives grace to make you willing to obey, pick one area where you know God’s will but you struggle to follow it. Maybe it is being kind to a sibling or obeying the first time you are asked. Pray each morning this week: "God, help me want what you want today."