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Praying More Effectively
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” - 1 Peter 4:7 ESV
Peter taught that the end of the age could happen at any time. Because of that, you should be self controlled and sober minded. Why? So your prayers would be more effective.
To pray with self control and sober-minded means having a sound mind, thinking about and evaluating situations maturely and correctly. Peter wants you to be alert of what is happening, understand your times, for you to pray more intelligently.
There are ramifications to this verse.
The first ramification is as global workers you need to be aware of what is happening in your world, marriage, children, country of ministry, your own heart. When Jesus taught on prayer, he usually taught you to watch and pray. Keep watch, be on guard, be aware.
The second ramification is Peter believed prayer made a difference. Prayer can impact world events. Prayer can bring revival to the national church. Prayer can prepare hearts to receive the word. Prayer can intervene in our children’s lives. Prayer can break strongholds. Prayer can purify your heart and produce a right spirit within you. Peter said be self-controlled and sober- minded so you can be more effective when you pray because Peter believed in the power of prayer.
The third ramification is Peter believed some prayers are more effective than others. The phrase “for the sake of your prayers” indicates that way we pray matters. Peter wanted us to be alert to events, to evaluate them correctly, so we can pray more effectively. We know the teaching concerning praying in faith. Faith matters in prayer. We cannot be a person who doubts and is tossed to and fro like the waves of the sea. We are also to pray intelligently.
I encourage you while you are serving do not become unaware. Make the effort to know what is happening in your world, family, country, ministry, your own heart. Ask the Holy Spirit for insight. As a parent and grandparent, I am constantly asking the Holy Spirt to reveal to me how I should pray for them. You should do the same.
Peter taught that the end of the age could happen at any time. Because of that, you should be self controlled and sober minded. Why? So your prayers would be more effective.
To pray with self control and sober-minded means having a sound mind, thinking about and evaluating situations maturely and correctly. Peter wants you to be alert of what is happening, understand your times, for you to pray more intelligently.
There are ramifications to this verse.
The first ramification is as global workers you need to be aware of what is happening in your world, marriage, children, country of ministry, your own heart. When Jesus taught on prayer, he usually taught you to watch and pray. Keep watch, be on guard, be aware.
The second ramification is Peter believed prayer made a difference. Prayer can impact world events. Prayer can bring revival to the national church. Prayer can prepare hearts to receive the word. Prayer can intervene in our children’s lives. Prayer can break strongholds. Prayer can purify your heart and produce a right spirit within you. Peter said be self-controlled and sober- minded so you can be more effective when you pray because Peter believed in the power of prayer.
The third ramification is Peter believed some prayers are more effective than others. The phrase “for the sake of your prayers” indicates that way we pray matters. Peter wanted us to be alert to events, to evaluate them correctly, so we can pray more effectively. We know the teaching concerning praying in faith. Faith matters in prayer. We cannot be a person who doubts and is tossed to and fro like the waves of the sea. We are also to pray intelligently.
I encourage you while you are serving do not become unaware. Make the effort to know what is happening in your world, family, country, ministry, your own heart. Ask the Holy Spirit for insight. As a parent and grandparent, I am constantly asking the Holy Spirt to reveal to me how I should pray for them. You should do the same.
- Pray the news.
- Pray world events.
- Pray specifically.
- Your prayers matter.
Questions:
- How can you stay aware of world events, your country of ministry, family, etc?
- What can you do to become more effective in your prayers?
- How can you become more sensitive to the revelation of the Holy Spirit when you pray?
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