Father hast given thee a Name that is above every name, that in thy Name every knee should bow.[1] Therefore thy Name is praised from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same.[2]
How, then, can we poor little worms of earth add to the holiness of thy Name? Thy Name, most holy in itself, is to be hallowed, that is honoured and proclaimed by us, but chiefly by our holy life and conduct. “ Be holy,” he says, "because I am holy.” But who shall make holy and clean those that are conceived of unclean seed, but thou, O Priest for ever, who sanctifiest all things! for thou hast loved us, and given thyself for us, to be an Oblation and Sacrifice to God, that thou mightst sanctify to thyself a Church, not having spot or wrinkle.[3] Sanctify us, then, in the truth, that we may sanctify thee, and that our light may so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify thee and thy Father, who is in heaven.[4]
Thy kingdom come.
O Jesus, great King above all the kings of the earth! O King of glory, who camest to us (at thy first advent) meek and lowly, not striking terror into us by thy majesty or power, but refreshing us in our misery by thy humility and mercy! Born of the royal stock, thou reignest over the house of Jacob, and of thy kingdom there shall be no end. Thy kingdom is not, indeed, of this world; yet, when standing before the governor, thou didst not disavow thyself a King; and upon the Cross too, thou bearest the kingly Title. Thy eternal Father, moreover, has crowned thee with glory and honour, and all power is given to thee in heaven and in earth.
Yes, King that art best and greatest of kings, let thy kingdom come to us, of grace now, and of glory hereafter. Far be it from us, like sons of Belial, to despise thee, or refuse thee for our king: nay, we would have thee to reign over us, King peaceful and wise, for thy throne is established in justice and mercy. Set out, then, proceed prosperously, and reign over us, who, by every right, are thy subjects. Be Lord also in the midst of thy enemies, and rule them with a rod of iron, that we may be freed from their power, and serve thee! in holiness and justice all our days. And so may the glory of thy kingdom grow and advance daily more and more.
Thy will be done.
O Jesus, Lord and Master, who camest to do and to teach the will of thy Father; O
