An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism · Martin Luther
THE THIRD PETITION.
THE GOOD AND GRACIOUS WILL OF GOD. The will of God is always good and gracious, because He always wills those things which He, in His wisdom and love, [I John 4:16] sees are best. He does all things well, even when we do not understand His ways. [Isa. 55:8, 9, Rom. 8:28] IS DONE INDEED WITHOUT OUR PRAYER. There will always be some persons who permit God to accomplish His good and gracious purposes in them, whether we pray for it or not. [Isa. 55:11] BUT WE PRAY IN THIS PETITION THAT IT MAY BE DONE BY US ALSO; [Rom. 12:12] that is, that we may believe His Gospel, obey His Commandments, and trustfully permit Him to lead us in whatsoever paths He will.
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