Praying in light of 1 Pet 4:7-11.
"The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 As each one has received a gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Our Father,
We come before you recognizing the end of all things is near. There is nothing standing in the way of the end. Your return is imminent. The events as they unfold in Revelation could begin any day. It is the last hour, it is the ends of the ages. Help us to live like it. Help us not to think we have plenty of time. Help us not to live like this life is going to perpetually continue. Help us to live with an urgency. Help us to live with a sobriety. Help us to be a serious minded people. A self-controlled people. A prudent, carefully thinking people because the end is near. Might our serious mindedness cause us to be a people who are constantly pleading with you. Pleading for your kingdom to come and your will to be done. Praying that you would save sinners to the glory of your name Praying that we would be a holy bride purified for the return of her king. Pleading come quickly Lord Jesus make all things new.
Because the end is near help us to prioritize loving one another and loving one another fervently, zealously, constantly. Help to not waver in our devotion to another no matter the trials, the temptations, the persecutions, the sins we commit against one another. Might we in humility and longsuffering cover over one another’s sins. Might we quickly seek forgiveness and quickly extend forgiveness as you have forgiven us.
Because the end is near, grow us in our hospitality. Might we, without complaint welcome one another into our homes, sharing with one another, sacrificing our time, our food, our care, our space. Might the idolatry of materialism and perfectionism not be a cause for being inhospitable.
Because the end is near, help us to serve one another, being good stewards of your grace. Might we employ the gifts that you have given not for our own glory, but for your glory and the good of your people. Might we speak the truth in love to one another, bringing the power and sufficiency of your Word to bear upon the most challenging struggles we face. Might we serve one another, zealously, tirelessly, earnestly, depending upon you and the almighty strength that you supply.
In everything might we live, act, think, and care for one another in such a way that you would receive all the glory.
In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.