THE SCHOOL & FAMILY CATECHIST
by Rev. William Smith (1834)

Q. 102. What do we pray for in the second petition?

A. In the second petition, which is, “Thy kingdom come,” we pray, That Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed, and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced, ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it, and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.

EXPLICATION.

Satan’s kingdom. –The influence of sin, and the dominion or power of the Devil, over the children of men.

Kingdom of grace. –Christ’s merciful dominion, or government, in his church, and among his people, in this world.

May be advanced. –May be enlarged and extended, and its interests promoted, by the preaching of the gospel, the conversion of sinners, &c.

Kingdom of glory. –The dominion or government of God among the saints in heaven; –or that inconceivable state of happiness, into which all the people of God shall be brought after death, and especially after the day of judgment.

ANALYSIS.

We are here informed, that when we make use, in prayer, of the words of the second petition, “Thy kingdom come,” we pray for four things :

1. That Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed. –Psal. lxviii. 1. Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered, let them also that hate him, flee before him.

2. That the kingdom of grace may be advanced. –Psal. li. 18. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion; build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

3. That ourselves and others may be brought into the kingdom of grace, and kept in it. –2 Thess. iii. 1. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you. Rom x. 1. Brethren, my heart’s desire, and prayer to God for Israel, is, that they may be saved.

4. That the kingdom of glory may be hastened. –Rev. xxii. 20. Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.