Chapter XX.
Of the clause “Thy will be done.”
The
third petition is
that of sons: “Thy will be done as in heaven so on earth.”
There can now be no grander prayer than to wish that earthly things may
be made equal with things heavenly: for what else is it to say
“Thy will be done as in heaven so on earth,” than to ask
that men may be like angels and that as God’s will is ever
fulfilled by them in heaven, so also all those who are on earth may do
not their own but His will? This too no one could say from the heart
but only one who believed that God disposes for our good all things
which are seen, whether fortunate or unfortunate, and that He is more
careful and provident for our good and salvation than we ourselves are
for ourselves. Or at any rate it may be taken in this way: The will of
God is the salvation of all men, according to these words of the
blessed Paul: “Who willeth all men to be saved and to come to the
knowledge of the truth.”
1612
Of which will
also the prophet Isaiah says in the Person of God the Father:
“And all Thy will shall be done.”
1613
When we say then “Thy will be done as in heaven so on
earth,” we pray in other words for this; viz., that as those who
are in heaven, so also may all those who dwell on earth be saved, O
Father, by the knowledge of Thee.
1612
1 Tim. ii. 4
.
1613
Is. xlvi. 10
.