The Kingdom Of God Is Near

1 Peter 4:7 – “But the end of all things is at hand; Therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.”

Why do we need to be serious and watchful in our prayers? Could it be that the way the world worked then was not so different from how the world works now? “Distraction” seems to be an effective weapon to keep our minds occupied with things that divert our attention from our Lord.

The current world pandemic, the busy way of life today, the everchanging and dynamic tech products at everyone’s fingertips, extremely fast computers, phones, apps which allow us to instantly communicate with anyone across the world, television, news, gyms, the list goes on and on.  With all this happening in our lives, few of us have the time and energy to pray and to seek God’s precious presence.

The apostle warns us to be watchful – some versions of the same verse read: self-controlled and alert. Self-controlled to push away all things that distract us; alert and awake to be able to stay focused on God, and to pray. Not just rhythmically pray, but earnestly and intentionally pray.

We must stay spiritually awake not to miss the coming of our Lord as the five maidens who ran out of oil in their lamps, went to buy more, missed when the bridegroom appeared, and were left behind, unable to join the wedding party. (Matthew 25).  “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8).

“For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44).