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Stump, Joseph

"An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism"


READING.--The Harvest and the Laborers, Matt. 9:35-38.


CHAPTER XXVII.
THE THIRD PETITION.

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
_What is meant by this Petition?_
The good and gracious will of God is done, indeed, without our prayer,
but we pray in this petition that it may be done by us also.
_When is this effected?_
When God frustrates and brings to nought every evil counsel and purpose
which would hinder us from hallowing the name of God and prevent His
kingdom from coming to us,--such as the will of the devil, of the world,
and of our own flesh; and when he strengthens us and keeps us steadfast
in His Word and in the faith even unto our end. This is His gracious and
good will.
* * * * *
In this Petition we pray for grace gladly to believe, do, and suffer all
that God wills us to believe, do, and suffer, so that His name may be
hallowed, and His kingdom may come.
THY WILL. God's will is, 1. That we should believe the Gospel and be
saved. [I Tim 2:4+] 2.


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