For what do we pray in the Third Petition?

Because the evil will of the devil, the world and our flesh resists God’s good and gracious will, we pray in the Third Petition, that God would break that evil will or turn it to our good, and would strengthen us, so that we could endure and remain in faith unto the end.

1 Pet. 5:8-9: Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

1 Joh. 2:15-17: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.

2 Thess. 3:3: But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

Gen. 50:20: Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.

What is the good and gracious will of God?

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. What does this mean? The good and gracious will of God is done indeed without our prayer; but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also. How is this done? (God’s good and gracious will is done among us) When God breaks and hinders every evil counsel and will which would not let us hallow God’s name nor let His kingdom come, such as the will of the devil, the world, and our flesh; but strengthens and preserves us steadfast in His Word and faith unto our end. This is His gracious and good will.

The good and gracious will of God is that we would remain in faith, would patiently live according to His will, and finally enter the eternal glory of heaven.

1 Tim. 2:4: (God) will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Ps. 86:11: Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth.

Acts 14:22: We must through much tribulation enter in the kingdom of God.

Joh. 6:40: This is the will of Him that sent Me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.