The Kingdom of God may be defined as the rule of God. Consequently, anything that is under the rule of God falls under His kingdom Inevitably, when we say this prayer, we affirm our willingness to accept the supremacy of God. Therefore it signifies total submission to God. The statement ‘ The Lord is my shepherd” does not highlight merely the aspect of the shepherd. Instead, it subtly refers to the willing obedience of the sheep. God can not be our shepherd unless we commit ourselves to follow Him. Similarly, we can not ask for the Kingdom of God to come, unless we are prepared to accept Him as our Lord. When we say this prayer, we affirm and confirm our willingness to accept Him as our King.

Next, the prayer involves a change of the present scenario. When God’s kingdom operates, we will be governed by kingdom values. Deception, conceit, selfishness and envy will give place to forgiveness and compassion.. The parables of the Kingdom which provide us with different insights speak of Kingdom values. The parable of the prodigal son highlights forgiveness and acceptance. The parable of labourers in the vineyard portrays the fact that God looks at the attitude and not performance. So when we pray ,’ Thy Kingdom come’ we need to pray to God to mould us in such a way that we become loyal citizens of His kingdom. Jesus preached "The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" In order for us to receive or to enter the Kingdom, we must respond with repentance and with faith. By doing so we become subjects of the Kingdom. The kingdom of God means that Christ reigns over our hearts and society. Righteousness, peace and joy are the outcome of God's reign. These factors will be the external evidence of Christ’s reign in our heart, soul and mind . Then our relationships, decisions, choices, thoughts and emotions will be governed by kingdom values. Two aspects are essential to make this prayer a reality. Gospel must reach the unreached so that through their acceptance they experience the joy of the kingdom .For those who have heard the Gospel several times, a new perception of the familiar truth is needed so that oft-repeated ideas begin to actively influence their way of life making it possible for them also to say the prayer meaningfully.

Dr. (Mrs.) Edriana Jeyasingh