The Lord's Prayer

When we say: “Thy kingdom come,” which shall certainly come whether we wish it or not, we do by these words stir up our own desires for that kingdom, that it may come to us, and that we may be found worthy to reign in it.

42. The second petition is, THY KINGDOM COME. This contains nothing new, and yet there is good reason for distinguishing it from the first. For if we consider our lethargy in the greatest of all matters, we shall see how necessary it is that what ought to be in itself perfectly known should be inculcated at greater length. Therefore, after the injunction to pray that God would reduce to order, and at length completely efface every stain which is thrown on his sacred name, another petition, containing almost the same wish, is added—viz. Thy kingdom come. Although a definition of this kingdom has already been given, I now briefly repeat that God reigns when men, in denial of themselves and contempt of the world and this earthly life, devote themselves to righteousness and aspire to heaven (see Calvin, Harm. Mt. 6) Thus this kingdom consists of two parts; the first is, when God by the agency of his Spirit corrects all the depraved lusts of the flesh, which in bands war against Him; and the second, when he brings all our thoughts into obedience to his authority. This petition, therefore, is duly presented only by those who begin with themselves; in other words, who pray that they may be purified from all the corruptions which disturb the tranquillity and impair the purity of God’s kingdom. Then as the word of God is like his royal sceptre, we are here enjoined to pray that he would subdue all minds and hearts to voluntary obedience. This is done when by the secret inspiration of his Spirit he displays the efficacy of his word, and raises it to the place of honour which it deserves. We must next descend to the wicked, who perversely and with desperate madness resist his authority. God, therefore, sets up his kingdom, by humbling the whole world, though in different ways, taming the wantonness of some, and breaking the ungovernable pride of others. We should desire this to be done every day, in order that God may gather churches to himself from all quarters of the world, may extend and increase their numbers, enrich them with his gifts, establish due order among them; on the other hand, beat down all the enemies of pure doctrine and religion, dissipate their counsels, defeat their attempts. …

These are the words of a right-minded child of God. A child who is not riveted visible things, nor who greatly values the present but who hastens to our Father, and who longs for the things to come. And this springs out of a good conscience, and a soul set free from things that are on earth. Paul himself longed for this every day. Which is why he said, that "even we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan, waiting for an adoption, the redemption of our body." [Rom. 8:23] For he who loves the things above, cannot be puffed up by the good things of this life, nor abashed by its sorrows. Instead it as if he is already dwelling in the  heavens, and is freed from every kind of irregularity.

“Your kingdom come.” Here we ask that the kingdom of God may come to us, even as we also ask that His name may be made holy in us. God always reigns and his kingdom has never ceased to be, but we pray that this kingdom, which god promised to us and which we have acquired by the blood and passion of Christ, would come to us. We ask that we who are his first subjects in this world, may reign with Christ in the next world. 

Christ Himself is the kingdom of God since He is Himself the Resurrection and in Him we too will rise again. so “the kingdom of God” may also be understood to be Jesus, since in Him we shall reign.

49] As we prayed in the First Petition concerning the honor and name of God that He would prevent the world from adorning its lies and wickedness with it, but cause it to be esteemed sublime and holy both in doctrine and life, so that He may be praised and magnified in us, so here we pray that His kingdom also may come. 50] But just as the name of God is in itself holy, and we pray nevertheless that it be holy among us, so also His kingdom comes of itself, without our prayer, yet we pray nevertheless that it may come to us, that is, prevail among us and with us, so that we may be a part of those among whom His name is hallowed and His kingdom prospers. 51] But what is the kingdom of God? Answer: Nothing else than what we learned in the Creed, that God sent His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, into the world to redeem and deliver us from the power of the devil, and to bring us to Himself, and to govern us as a King of righteousness, life, and salvation against sin, death, and an evil conscience, for which end He has also bestowed His Holy Ghost, who is to bring these things home to us by His holy Word, and to illumine and strengthen us in the faith by His power.

52] Therefore we pray here in the first place that this may become effective with us, and that His name be so praised through the holy Word of God and a Christian life that both we who have accepted it may abide and daily grow therein, and that it may gain approbation and adherence among other people and proceed with power throughout the world, that many may find entrance into the Kingdom of Grace, be made partakers of redemption, being led thereto by the Holy Ghost, in order that thus we may all together remain forever in the one kingdom now begun.

The Second Petition. Thy kingdom come. What does this mean?--Answer. The kingdom of God comes indeed without our prayer, of itself; but we pray in this petition that it may come unto us also. How is this done?--Answer. When our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead a godly life here in time and yonder in eternity.

"Thy kingdom come." -- This has a close connection with the preceding petition. In order that the name of God might be hallowed, we pray that his kingdom, the kingdom of Christ, may come. This kingdom then comes to a particular person when he repents and believes the gospel. It also comes when he is taught by God to know himself and to know Jesus Christ and him crucified. So the kingdom of God begins here when a person gains eternal life through the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ whom God has sent. "the Lord God Omnipotent" then reigns, when he is known through Christ Jesus. He then goes on conquering the soul until he has put all things under his feet-- until "every thought is brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."

It is right for all those who love the return of Christ, to pray that he would hurry to return. It is right to pray that his kingdom, the kingdom of grace, may come quickly, and swallow up all the kingdoms of the earth. And it is right to pray that all mankind would receive him as their King, truly believe in his name, and be filled with righteousness, and peace, and joy, and with holiness and happiness.

With the words, "Thy kingdom come" we also pray for the perfection of earth. We pray for the final renovation of all things. That God would put an end to misery and sin and infirmity and death, and that God would take all things into his own hands, and set up his kingdom which will endure throughout all ages.