Addressing God

[Tyrn]

Hi,

In most European languages God is addressed in second person singular, even in English, where no one else is addressed this way. It's the same in Spanish, they say.

However:

Hágase tu voluntad.

Dios bendiga a mamá, Dios bendiga
a papá, Dios bendiga a mi pececito, que todavía no tiene nombre.

It looks like third person singular, imperative mood, to me. Is it so? Usted or something more subtle?

[Rusty]

Hágase tu voluntad. = Thy will be done. (third-person impersonal reference)
(Que) Dios bendiga = (May) God bless (third-person reference, subjunctive mood)

[Tyrn]

Thanks!

[pjt33]

Originally Posted by Tyrn

... second person singular, even in English, where no one else is addressed this way.

In English, you is second person singular. Back when thou was 2s it was used to address other people. You are perhaps confused by observing certain communities of English speakers who use a mixture of 17th century English and current English in religious contexts.

Originally Posted by Tyrn

Hágase tu voluntad.

If this were an usted imperative it would be «Haga su voluntad».

[Tyrn]

Originally Posted by pjt33

If this were an usted imperative it would be «Haga su voluntad».

Thanks!