Luther's Small Catechism Part 23

1. The kingdom of grace, in which Christ makes every believer a partaker of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit; and

2. The kingdom of glory in heaven, where the chosen live with Christ in perfect happiness.

_288. What is meant by saying that the kingdom of G.o.d comes to us?_

It means that we become partakers in it.

_289. When does the kingdom of G.o.d come to us?_

The kingdom of G.o.d comes to us when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe the Word of G.o.d.

_290. What does the Holy Spirit work in them who thus by faith have become partakers in the kingdom of G.o.d?_

They live holy and Christ-like lives here in time, and in heaven forever.

THE THIRD PEt.i.tION.

=Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.=

_That is_,

The good and gracious will of G.o.d is done indeed without our prayer; but we pray in this pet.i.tion that it may be done also among us.

This is done when G.o.d brings to nothing all evil plans and purposes of the devil, the world, and our own flesh, that would hinder the hallowing of His name and the coming of His kingdom.

On the other hand, it is the good and gracious will of G.o.d to strengthen us and keep us steadfast in His Word and in faith, until death.

_291. What do you pray for in the third pet.i.tion?_

I pray that the will of G.o.d may be done among us on earth, as it is in heaven.

_292. What is the will of G.o.d?_

It is the will of G.o.d that all His rational creatures should praise Him forever in perfect holiness and happiness.

_293. Where is the will of G.o.d done in this manner?_

In heaven, where the holy angels praise G.o.d in undisturbed peace and joy.

=Ps. 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.=

_294. When is the will of G.o.d done among us, as it is in heaven?_

When G.o.d brings to nothing all evil plans and purposes that would hinder the hallowing of His name and the coming of His kingdom, and when G.o.d strengthens us and keeps us steadfast in His Word and in faith, until death.

_295. Who seek to prevent the will of G.o.d from being done among us?_

The devil, the world, and our own flesh.

_296. Who, on the other hand, will help us to do the will of G.o.d?_

G.o.d, who is merciful and faithful, will Himself help us to do His will.

=1 Thess. 5:24. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.=

THE FOURTH PEt.i.tION.

=Give us this day our daily bread.=

_That is_,

G.o.d gives daily bread indeed without our prayer even to the wicked; but we pray in this pet.i.tion that He would help us to appreciate His benefits, that we may receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.

By daily bread is meant all those things which are needed for our support and well-being in life, as food and clothing, home and property, happy family relations, a good government, favorable weather, peace and health, faithful friends, good neighbors, and the like.

_297. What do you pray for in the fourth pet.i.tion?_

I pray G.o.d to give me daily bread.

_298. What is meant by daily bread?_

By daily bread is meant all those things which are needed for our support and well-being in life, as food and clothing, home and property, etc.

_299. Of what does the word "daily" remind you?_

I must be content with that which G.o.d gives me.

=Prov. 30:8. Give me neither poverty nor riches: feed me with food convenient for me.=

=1 Tim. 6:6. G.o.dliness with contentment is great gain.=

_300. Why are the words "this day" added?_

They are added that I should not be anxious for the morrow, but let each day bear its own burdens.

=Matt. 6:34.=

_301. Does G.o.d give daily bread to those only who pray for it?_

No; He gives daily bread also to the wicked, but they receive it without thanksgiving, and miss His blessing.

=Matt. 5:45. He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.=

_302. How should the children of G.o.d receive their daily bread?_