The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you can pray. 1 Peter 4:7 NIV
The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 1 Peter 4:7 NLT
Hello friends, sometimes we can get so busy in life that we can become distracted from doing one of the most important things. That is, ‘to pray’. Even as believers in Christ, we sometimes neglect this vital tool and weapon we can use as an advantage to cover everything in our lives. We tend to remember to pray mainly when we are in trouble or have an urgent need. As we can see, the world is full of trouble and tragedy, and people have drawn further away from God than ever before. When Jesus was here on the earth, He said that men should always pray and not give up, Luke 18: NLT. Therefore, Christ commands that we pray. This tells us that praying is important.
The apostle Peter warns us that because of the days we are living in, we should be earnest and disciplined in our prayers. Make it the first thing you do each day. Make it a habit to pray about everything. Prayer keeps you alert and in a state of sobriety because of all the toxicity that is in the world today. As we strive to live a life that is pleasing to God, prayer keeps us in that flow of communication with Him, so that we can have His comfort as we press through each day. Prayer does not cost us a thing, but we can use it to bring things into our lives. If you lack the strength and discipline to pray, then you can pray for that too. Prayers never go stale and you can pray all the way into the future. How exciting.
You can prove God when you pray. He is listening and wants to answer. Just let your request be made known. He is faithful and will also teach you and instruct you as you commit everything to Him through prayer. Imagine being in need of something, but you never ask the one who can give it. Most importantly, as the writer first alluded to. The end of the world is come, therefore we are going to need to keep praying. We receive strength and hope through prayer. We are definitely going to need it.
So friends, keep on praying, not just for material things (God knows you have material needs) but pray to be sober-minded so that you will not be deceived and fall weak, or be overcome by the ungodly practices of the world. Be alert and know that as the days unfold, you will be protected because you took the time to pray, and you prayed earnestly with a pure heart.
Peace and Love!
