Prayer Establishes Our Rapture to God
Clear-minded Prayer

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4:1-6

Key Verse: 1 Peter 4:7

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

The Apostle Peter believed that the “end of all things” was near, according to our Key Verse. Was he mistaken? If so, are the scriptures inspired by God? Can we trust what we read? To answer these questions, I’ll quote the apostle’s own words: “But do not forget this one thing, dear friend: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promises as some understand slowness…” (2 Peter 3:8-9a). If we can, by faith, look through God’s eyes, the “end is near.”

Once we get this “eternal perspective,” we will come to the same conclusion that Peter did in our Key Verse: be clear-minded and self-controlled so that we can pray! It really isn’t a mystery why Jesus said, “Pray this way: may your kingdom come!” The end is near, don’t lose sight of it! Don’t busy yourself with so much earthly junk that you have no room for heavenly treasures! No one would mindlessly skip worship services if they truly believed that the end was near! No one would have trouble finding time for prayer and Bible reading if they truly believed the end was near! The busiest people in this world stop everything and make time for a loved one’s hospital emergencies or a close friend’s funeral. Yes, somehow, they find the time, the very thing they “claimed” they had none of!

In your prayer today, remind yourself: God’s kingdom is coming. It might be today! Be clear-minded and pray!

Father, at the snap of your fingers, this life I’m clinging to will be over! Help me to clear my mind of earthly values and fill it with yours! In Jesus’ Name, amen.