The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.
1 Peter 4:7 NASB
Prayer is one of those things that seem so easy, yet are so hard to actually put into practice. We tend to get so busy with our lives and the things around us, and neglect prayer.
To be sure, we offer up quick little prayers when faced with troubles, we may even allow time for "devotions" and prayer, but to really pray with earnestness, we know little of.
The above text calls us to be of sound judgment and sober spirit. We may not realize it, but we are in a spiritual war, facing foes that are of a spiritual nature, that cannot be defeated by human wisdom or means (2 Cor 10:3-4; Ephesians 6:12). We must not underestimate them, but realize that only through Christ can we overcome them. It is fatal to our souls to be so filled with the things of this life, that we fail to pray with the earnestness that is required of us.
Look at the example of Elijah. He was a man like us, but accomplished much through earnest prayer. We are encouraged by this, to pray earnestly and effectually as well (James 5:16-18).
The King James text calls it fervent prayer. This is an intense white hot effort. It is not speaking of quick prayers, lacking faith, while our minds wander to other things. This is focused prayer inspired and breathed through us by the Holy Spirit.
This is what is meant when we are called to pray in the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 6:18; Jude 1:20). It takes work. We must be committed to the cause with all our being. We cannot be filled with the things of this life, or we will have no room for the things of the Spirit!
Yield up your lives to the control of the Holy Spirit, and let Him empower you to pray with the earnestness that gets the answer! Be of sound judgment and sober minds, because the end is near, the days are evil, and only the presence and power of God in our lives can make the difference!
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