the prayers, tears, sighs, and groans of the holy patriarchs and prophets, that as they, when in the flesh, with so many sighs and most fervent prayers, longed for the advent of thy Son, and the kingdom of the Messias, the new and eternal King; that he might certainly come fit last, the meek and peaceful King, the King of glory, mighty in battle, whom all nations desired for so long that he would come and sit upon the throne of his father David, and redeem Israel, since they could not enter into the kingdom of God till the King of glory first came and opened the way; even so may we, now that the entrance is opened to thy heavenly kingdom, long to be quickly conveyed from this world's abode to the kingdom of thy majesty, where one day is better than thousands in the dwellings of sinners. Happy are they who dwell in thy house, O Lord! Oh, for thy kingdom, the kingdom of all ages! Oh, when shall the kingdom of God come to us!
3. Thy will he done on earth as it is in heaven.
We adore thee, most tender Father, because thou wilt, and art able to will, only what is just, holy, and good. We therefore humbly pray thee, by the merits and intercession of thy holy apostles and disciples, that as they so promptly obeyed thy will when called by thee, that, at one bidding, they left all and followed thee; and when at length commanded to go and preach the gospel over the whole world, undertook the work that was set them, undeterred by any difficulties or drawbacks; and were thenceforward occupied in the one employment of teaching men to do the will of God, and to keep his commandments, the observance of which is the only way to man’s salvation; even so make us eager to learn what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God, and, when learnt, earnestly to endeavour to perform it; that we may not be of the number of those who, knowing the will of God, and doing it not, are liable to be beaten with many stripes. Give, O Lord, what thou commandest, and command what thou wilt.
4. Give us this day our daily bread.
We adore thee, most bountiful Father, because thou feedest us from our infancy, and, with fatherly affection, providest for us what is needful both for body and soul. We pray thee, therefore, by the merits and patronage of thy holy martyrs, that, as thou feddest them in this
