What is the first thing you want to do if you believe that Jesus can return at any time?

What is the first thing you want to do if you believe that Jesus can return at any time?

For some… it is pray.

Many people want to pray in a spontaneous way with no restrictions that might put boundaries on their spirit. This probably is not the best way to pray.

Peter began a powerful paragraph of spiritual applications with a sobering reminder. The end is near. The return of Christ is near for every generation of Christians. He can return today or any day. (1 Peter 4:7)

A consistent message of Scripture is … be prepared.

If you really believe that Jesus can return at any time you want to pray…but what can help us pray?

Peter tells us that we can pray if we are self-controlled and clear thinking.

How does being self-controlled help us pray?

Sometimes we are out of control. This affects our relationships… our most intimate relationships are affected the most.

Earlier in this letter Peter warned husbands that they needed to be gracious, understanding, and loving to their wives. They were to honor them. If they did not, their prayers would be hindered. (1 Peter 3:7)

Broken intimacy in our closest relationship affects our intimacy with God.

Our society is fractured and contentious.

Christians need to be self-controlled so our relationships are not burdened and our prayers are stronger.

How does thinking correctly help us pray?

Our prayers need to be based on right thoughts about God and his expectations for our life as we are nourished by Scripture.

They also need to be empowered by a disciplined life.

Paul talked about being a transformed, renewed, living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1-2)

We are renewed and transformed as we read and apply Scripture in our lives

Prayer and Bible reading are the base that balances and empowers our lives.

If you really believe that Jesus can return at any time you want to pray. If your life is disciplined and your thoughts are under control then you can pray with more power.

Questions for consideration:

Are there areas in your life that are out of control in some way? How can this affect your prayers?

What are things you have learned in your Bible reading recently that have changed the way you pray?