The Thy Kingdom Come Prayer is one of the most powerful and meaningful parts of the Lord’s Prayer. It appears in Matthew 6:10 and is a central request Jesus taught His disciples. When we say these words, we are asking for God’s reign to be established in our hearts, our communities, and across the earth. This prayer is not only a request for spiritual renewal but also a call for transformation in the present world and a longing for the future Kingdom of God.
Understanding the Thy Kingdom Come Prayer
The phrase “Thy Kingdom come” is short, yet it carries deep meaning. In the original Greek, it refers to the coming of God’s reign and authority. It is not just about a distant heavenly reality but also about God’s will being done here and now. The thy kingdom come prayer reflects two main aspects — the present kingdom growing in the hearts of believers and the future kingdom that will be fully revealed when Jesus returns.
When Jesus gave this prayer to His disciples, He was teaching them a model for how to pray. The Lord’s Prayer begins by honoring God’s name and then moves to a request for His kingdom and will to be done. This shows the priority of God’s rule above our own desires.
Biblical Foundation of the Thy Kingdom Come Prayer
The thy kingdom come prayer is found in two places in the Bible — Matthew 6:10 and Luke 11:2. Both accounts show Jesus emphasizing the importance of aligning our hearts with God’s purposes. The prayer connects heaven and earth, reminding believers that just as God’s will is perfectly done in heaven, it should also be our desire for it to be done on earth.
In the New Testament, Jesus spoke often about the Kingdom of God. He compared it to a mustard seed, a hidden treasure, and a pearl of great price. These parables show that the kingdom begins small but grows into something great and valuable. They also highlight that finding God’s kingdom is worth giving up everything else.
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The Present Kingdom
The present aspect of the thy kingdom come prayer is about God ruling in our lives today. When Jesus came as the promised Messiah, He brought a new way for people to be right with God. The old covenant of the law and sacrifices was replaced with the new covenant of grace through faith. As Ephesians 2:8-9 explains, salvation is the gift of God, not earned by works.
Through this new covenant, the Holy Spirit now lives in every believer, guiding and empowering them to live for God. The kingdom grows as the gospel is shared, and more people accept Jesus as Lord. Each time someone turns to Christ, the kingdom expands. This is why praying “Thy Kingdom come” is also a prayer for evangelism and spiritual growth.
Living Out the Thy Kingdom Come Prayer
Praying “Thy Kingdom come” is not just about speaking words. It is about surrendering our will to God’s will. This can be challenging because human nature often wants control. The apostles understood this truth. Paul, James, Peter, and others referred to themselves as servants of Christ, showing complete submission to His authority.
Living this prayer means:
- Allowing God to change our hearts and priorities.
- Seeking justice, mercy, and love in our communities.
- Sharing the message of Jesus with others.
- Trusting God’s timing and guidance.
Thy Kingdom Come in Modern Christian Practice
In recent years, Thy Kingdom Come has also become a global prayer movement. Christians from many denominations unite each year between Ascension and Pentecost to pray for more people to know Jesus. This movement encourages believers to pray in their homes, churches, and communities, turning daily routines into prayer opportunities.
In London, initiatives like “Thy Kingdom Come Here” inspire people to walk their neighborhoods, praying for God’s presence to be felt in every street. This connects the biblical meaning of the thy kingdom come prayer with practical action today.
Spiritual Challenge of the Thy Kingdom Come Prayer
Praying for God’s kingdom to come requires humility and surrender. It means acknowledging that our plans are not always best and that God’s purposes are higher. It also means being willing to act when God calls, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Many believers admit that fully living out “Thy will be done” is not easy. It requires faith, patience, and a desire to serve others rather than ourselves. Yet the reward is great — being part of God’s work in transforming lives and communities.
Present vs. Future Kingdom in the Thy Kingdom Come Prayer
| Aspect | Present Kingdom | Future Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | God ruling in believers’ hearts today | Full reign of God on earth after Christ’s return |
| Action | Evangelism, discipleship, obedience | Restoration, judgment, and eternal life |
| Biblical Example | Mustard seed, hidden treasure | New heaven and new earth (Revelation 21) |
| Experience | Growth through the Holy Spirit | Perfect peace and God’s presence foreve |
The Reward of Praying Thy Kingdom Come
The thy kingdom come prayer is powerful because it aligns our hearts with God’s heart. It shifts our focus from temporary concerns to eternal purposes. Each time we pray it with sincerity, we invite God to work in us and through us.
When we participate in God’s kingdom work, we also share in the joy of seeing lives changed. Just as a parent delights when a child wants to help, God delights when His children pray and act for His glory.
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The Future Kingdom
The thy kingdom come prayer also looks forward to the future. The Bible teaches that one day, Jesus will return in glory, Satan will be defeated, and God’s kingdom will be fully established on earth. Revelation 21 describes a new heaven and a new earth, where there will be no more death, pain, or sorrow.
When we pray for God’s kingdom to come, we are also praying for that day when all things will be made new. We look forward to a world without sin, where God’s presence is everywhere, and His people live in perfect peace. This hope gives believers strength to endure trials and remain faithful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the thy kingdom come prayer mean?
It means asking for God’s reign to be established on earth, starting in our hearts and spreading to the world, and anticipating the day when Christ returns to fully restore creation.
Is the thy kingdom come prayer only about the future?
No, it has both a present and future meaning. It’s about God ruling now in believers’ lives and about the future kingdom that will be revealed at Jesus’ return.
How can I live out the thy kingdom come prayer daily?
By surrendering your will to God, seeking to live according to His Word, praying for others, and sharing the gospel.
Why is the thy kingdom come prayer important for Christians?
It keeps believers focused on God’s mission, reminds them of eternal hope, and calls them to live in obedience and faith.
Conclusion
The thy kingdom come prayer is more than a line in the Lord’s Prayer — it’s a declaration of surrender, a mission statement, and a cry for God’s justice and peace to fill the earth. It connects our daily lives to God’s eternal plan. Whether we are praying for spiritual revival today or for the glorious return of Christ, this prayer shapes our hearts to long for God’s presence and reign.
Praying “Thy Kingdom come” daily reminds us that we are part of something greater than ourselves. It challenges us to be faithful, to share the good news, and to trust that God’s kingdom will come — on earth as it is in heaven.