Peter 3:3(NLT) tells us, “Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires.” Doesn’t this look like the times in which we find ourselves living in? We don’t know the exact day or hour when our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, will return to the earth, but it’s our duty and responsibility to be ready. We need to be as alert and on guard as possible. We can’t afford to be asleep at the wheel, but we must be like the five wise bridesmaids Jesus Christ taught about in Matthew 25. They didn’t miss the wedding but were prepared for the return of the bridegroom, and we must be as well.
Unfortunately, many people are asleep when it comes to being prepared for the return of Christ. As Christians, we still have a lot of work to do for God’s Kingdom. We need to pray for others much more often than we do. God tells us in 1Timothy 2:1-2(NLT), “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” Our Heavenly Father instructs us to pray for all people everywhere, especially those that are vulnerable or unable to pray for themselves. We are to intercede on their behalves, and this is wonderful news. Heavenly Father has given us, as His children, the privilege and authority through Christ to pray for others, and 1Timothy 2:1-2 affirms that He hears our prayers and will bless others because of them.
This passage also tells us to pray for those that are in authority. God tells us to do this so that as believers, we can live a quiet and peaceful existence. There are murderous tragedies and tremendous suffering in many parts of the world because of religious conflicts. This isn’t God’s Will. He wants us to live in peace and be able to worship Him in spirit and truth. For this reason, He tells us to pray for all those in governmental authority, from the least to the greatest. We must pray that they make decisions and choices that preserve the Will of God in the earth.
You might think that everyone knows how to open their mouths and pray, but even the most seasoned veteran can learn more about giving God honor and glory in their prayer lives. In 1Timothy 2:1-2(NLT), Heavenly Father tells us a very important element in prayer, and it is having a thankful heart and an attitude of gratitude. We are to be thankful when we pray, and this is because of WHO we are praying to.
Colossians 4:2(NLT) tells us, “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” Our God has all power in His hands. He knows everything that can be known, and He loves us with an unconditional, everlasting, and unfailing love. Our faith in His ability and willingness to bless us should be evident in our prayers. This is demonstrated by thanking Him in advance because we know God is faithful to His Word. Prayer in the name of Jesus Christ works, and when our trust is in him and our prayers are in God’s Will, the things we’ve prayed for are sure to come to pass. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Prayer Works!” written by Kim Times, edited by Reverend Fran Mack for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2020. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.