Question 233: What does “your kingdom come” mean?

Answer:

“Your kingdom come” is a prayer for the reign of God to advance in the world and in our hearts. I pray that the Gospel would be proclaimed, sinners converted, the Church strengthened, justice established, evil restrained, and Christ’s return hastened. I ask that God’s rule would be more fully present on earth, beginning with my own life in obedience and holiness. (Matthew 6:10, Luke 17:20–21, Romans 14:17, Revelation 11:15)

Full Scripture References

“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” — Matthew 6:10 (BSB)

“The kingdom of God is not coming with observable signs… For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” — Luke 17:20–21 (BSB)

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 14:17 (BSB)

“The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.’” — Revelation 11:15 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

To pray “Your kingdom come” is to ask that God’s reign would advance in every part of life and creation. God’s Kingdom is already present through the saving work of Jesus Christ, but it is not yet fully realized. This petition expresses our longing for the Gospel to spread, for righteousness to increase, and for Christ’s final victory to come.

This prayer calls me to personal surrender—inviting God to rule in my heart, habits, decisions, and desires. It also commits me to participate in the mission of the Church: proclaiming Christ, making disciples, practicing mercy, and seeking justice. I pray not only for spiritual transformation, but for a world conformed to the rule of King Jesus.

Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “This prayer is not passive. It is revolutionary. To say ‘Your kingdom come’ is to renounce the kingdom of self and to long for the world to be made new under Christ.”

Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) explains, “When we pray for God’s Kingdom to come, we’re praying for revival in the Church, repentance in the nations, and readiness in our souls for the return of the King.”

The 1662 Book of Common Prayer captures this longing in its Collects for the Church, for peace, and for the coming of Christ’s reign. In the Litany we pray, “That it may please thee to bring into the way of truth all such as have erred and are deceived,” and “to hasten thy kingdom.”

J.C. Ryle wrote, “To pray ‘Your kingdom come’ is to put God’s glory before our own comfort, God’s cause before our own plans. It is to yearn for holiness, justice, and the return of Christ.” (Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, 1865)

Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “This is not a sentimental prayer. It is a battle cry. We ask God to break in with power, to reign in the Church, and to restore a broken world.”

This petition glorifies Christ because it confesses Him as King, advances His Gospel, and prepares our hearts for His coming.

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “We do not pray to bring about what God has not planned, but to desire what He has promised. His Kingdom comes to us when He reigns in our hearts through faith.” — Letter 130

St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200–258 AD): “The Kingdom of God, for which we pray daily, is Christ Himself—whom we long to see reigning over all, and especially over ourselves.” — On the Lord’s Prayer, 13

St. Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335–395 AD): “In praying for the Kingdom to come, we pray for our own transformation—for our wills to be bent to His, and our lives made fit for heaven.” — On the Lord’s Prayer, 3

St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “We ask not only that His Kingdom come at the end of time, but that it rule now—in our hearts, in our homes, and in our Church.” — Homily on Matthew, 19