The kingdom refers to the sovereign rule and reign of God. It encompasses both His present spiritual reign in the hearts of believers through the gospel (Luke 17:21) and His future consummated reign when Christ will return to fully establish justice, righteousness, and peace on earth (Revelation 21:1-5). The kingdom is not merely a geographical realm but the dynamic exercise of God’s authority and the advancement of His redemptive purposes in creation.

The prayer "Thy Kingdom come," drawn from the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:10, is rich with theological depth and practical implications. Here are 10 implications of this prayer:

1. The Overthrow of False Kingdoms

This prayer acknowledges that God’s kingdom is in opposition to all false kingdoms—whether political, spiritual, or personal—that exalt themselves against Him. It is a plea for the ultimate victory of Christ over all forms of rebellion (Psalm 2:8-9; Revelation 11:15). In it, we affirm the certainty of Christ’s reign, trusting that every rival power will be subdued and every knee will bow, proclaiming Him as Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).

2. The Advance of the Gospel

Praying "Thy Kingdom come" is a petition for the spread of the gospel, which conquers human hearts and brings individuals into submission to Christ as King (Colossians 1:13-14).

3. Submission to God’s Sovereign Rule

It reflects a desire for God’s rule to increasingly manifest in the lives of His people, bringing their thoughts, desires, and actions into alignment with His will (Romans 12:1-2).

4. Longing for Christ’s Return

The prayer expresses a deep yearning for the second coming of Christ, when God’s kingdom will be fully and finally established on earth as it is in heaven (Revelation 22:20).

5. The Defeat of Satan’s Dominion

This prayer recognizes the ongoing conflict between God’s kingdom and the kingdom of darkness, calling for the destruction of Satan’s works and influence in the world (1 John 3:8). It also expresses confidence in Christ’s decisive victory at the cross, where the ruler of this world was judged, and anticipates the day when Satan and all his works will be completely eradicated, ushering in the fullness of God’s eternal reign (John 12:31; Revelation 20:10).

6. A Call for Justice and Righteousness

Praying for God’s kingdom to come involves a longing for justice to prevail, for righteousness to be established, and for God’s moral order to shape society (Isaiah 11:3-5; Matthew 5:6).

7. Hope for the Renewal of Creation

This prayer anticipates the restoration of all things, when God will renew creation, eradicating sin, suffering, and death (Romans 8:19-21; Revelation 21:1-5).

8. A Plea for the Sanctification of Believers

"Thy Kingdom come" implies a request for God’s reign to be more fully realized in the hearts of His people, leading to greater holiness and conformity to Christ (Philippians 2:12-13).

9. Dependence on God’s Power, Not Human Effort

This prayer acknowledges that the coming of God’s kingdom is His work, not ours. It is a plea for God to accomplish His purposes in history and in individual lives (Zechariah 4:6).

10. Commitment to Kingdom Living

Praying for God’s kingdom to come involves a personal commitment to live as citizens of that kingdom, bearing witness to its values through love, humility, and service (Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 3:20).