A Scripture Catechism
in the
Method of the Assembly's

by Matthew Henry

Q. 102. What do we pray for in the second petition?
A. In the second petition, which is, Thy kingdom come, we pray, that Satan's kingdom may be destroyed, and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced, ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it, and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.

1. Must we acknowledge our heavenly Father's kingdom? Yes: The Lord is king for ever and ever, Ps. 10:16. And must we admire it? Yes: we must speak of the glory of his kingdom, Ps. 145:11.Must we own him to be our King? Yes: Thou art my king, O God, Ps. 44:4. Must we heartily wish well to his kingdom? Yes: Seek ye first the kingdom of God, Matt. 6:33.

2. Has Satan a kingdom in opposition to God's kingdom? Yes: for he is the prince of this world, John 12:31. Does he rule where sin rules? Yes: for he works in the children of disobedience, Eph. 2:2. Must we pray that that kingdom may be destroyed? Yes: The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan, even the Lord that has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke thee, Zech. 3:2. Must we pray that the dominion of sin may be broken? Yes: O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, Ps. 7:9. And that the power of the church's enemies may be crushed? Yes: So let all thine enemies perish, O Lord, Judg. 5:31. And their policies blasted? Yes: Lord turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness, 2 Sam. 15:31. And their projects defeated? Yes: O my God, make them like a wheel, Ps. 83:13.

3. Have we reason to hope that Satan's kingdom shall be destroyed in the hearts of believers Yes: For the God of peace shall tread Satan under your feet shortly, Rom. 16:20. And that it shall be destroyed in the world? Yes: For I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven, Luke 10:18. So destroyed that it shall not destroy the church? Yes: for the church is built upon a rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, Matt. 16:18.

4. Is the kingdom of Christ our Father's kingdom? Yes: I have set my King upon my holy hill of Zion, Ps. 2:6. Must we pray that that may be advanced? Yes: Prayer shall be made for him continually, Ps. 72:15. That we and others may be brought into it? Yes: That Christ may dwell in your heart by faith, Eph. 3:17. And kept in it? Yes: That we may be preserved blameless to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thess. 5:23.

5. Are we to pray for converting grace? Yes: Turn thou me, and I shall be turned, Jer. 31:18. And that others may partake of that grace? Yes: That sinners may be converted unto thee, Ps. 51:13. Are we to pray for confirming grace? Yes: That God would comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work, 2 Thess. 2:17. Are we to pray for the strengthening of faith? Yes: Lord, increase our faith, Luke 17:5. And the increase of love? Yes: This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more, Phil. 1:9.

6. Are we to pray for the advancement of the kingdom of light? Yes: O send out thy light and thy truth, Ps. 43:3. And the kingdom of holiness? Yes: The God of peace sanctify you wholly, 1 Thess. 5:23. And the kingdom of love? Yes: That they all may be one, John 17:21. Must we pray for the sending forth of ministers in order hereunto? Yes: Pray the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth labourers into his harvest, Matt. 9:38. And for the presence of God with them? Yes: that utterance may be given to them, Eph. 6:19.

7. Are we to pray for the prosperity of the church? Yes: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, Ps. 122:6. And for the welfare of all who belong to it? Yes: Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee, Ps. 70:4. And for the comfort of all good Christians? Yes: Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, Eph. 6:24. Must we pray for the enlargement of the church? Yes: My heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved, Rom. 10:1. And for the reformation of it? Yes: Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, Ps. 80:19. And for the defence of it? Yes: Build thou the walls of Jerusalem, Ps. 51:18. And for the deliverance of it? Yes: Command deliverances for Jacob, Ps. 44:4.

8. May we pray in faith for the advancement and continuance of Christ's kingdom? Yes; For of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, Isa. 9:7. And have we reason to triumph in this? Yes: Hallelujah, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth, Rev. 19:6.

9. Is the kingdom of glory yet to come Yes: When the mystery of God shall be finished, Rev. 10:7. Are we to pray that that may be hastened? Yes: Looking for, and hastening unto, the coming of the day of God, 2 Pet. 3:12. Are we to desire our own removal to that glory at death? Yes: Desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven, 2 Cor. 5:2. Are we to pray that we may be ready for it? Yes: Watch therefore, and pray always, Luke 21:36. And then that it may be hastened? Yes: Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, Luke 2:29. Are we to pray for Christ's second coming at the end of time? Yes: Amen, even so come, Lord Jesus, Rev. 22:20.