WSC 103
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q103. What do we pray for in the third petition?
In the third petition, which is, Thy will be done in 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, as the angels do in heaven.
Proof texts
- Matt. 6:10 — [10] Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
- Ps. 67 — [1] May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, <i>Selah</i> [2] that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. [3] Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! [4] Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. <i>Selah</i> [5] Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! [6] The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us. [7] God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear him!
- Ps. 119:36 — [36] Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!
- Matt. 26:39 — [39] And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
- 2 Sam. 15:25 — [25] Then the king said to Zadok, “Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me back and let me see both it and his dwelling place.
- Job 1:21 — [21] And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”
- Ps. 103:20-21 — [20] Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! [21] Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Matt. 6:10 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 7 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WLC Q178 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q192 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?