“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” (1 Peter 4:7)
A friend of mine just got done running a marathon. Aside from not understanding why any otherwise healthy person would want to do such a thing, I must say I admired his commitment to preparing for this thing.
He ran lots of miles almost every day, of course. He changed what he ate, when he slept, and did everything he could to avoid getting sick – all so he could be in prime shape to run 26 miles on race day. That what it takes to compete in a marathon.
What does it take to compete as a Christian, to do everything you can to be ready for the “end of all things”? Prayer. Why is prayer so hard? Why does it require us so much focus and self-control to do it effectively? I don’t know, but I know that it does.
Peter wants us to see the need to sacrifice sloppy thinking, meandering self-amusement, and living for instant gratification – so that we can pray. He wants us to do the prep work needed to effectively talk to God. What changes would you need to make in your life to make that happen?
Think: What gets in the way of effective praying for you? What could you change to give yourself more time, more focus, more energy for talking to God more often and about more things?
Pray: Ask God to help you to be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
Do: Set aside 15 minutes in a row today or tomorrow where you will do nothing but talk to God.