Prayer Warriors

   

Clear Minded Prayer

1 Peter 4:7- The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

What does this scripture say to us about what the Father finds most important? Instead of allowing selfish concerns to control our thinking and determine our behavior Peter tells us to begin with GOD and let Him set the agenda. We are called to grow in spiritual love and unity despite the condition of the world around us.
Peter’s word “be clear minded and self-controlled” speak directly to our Christian focus. Our Christ-centeredness. The opposite of “clear minded” is“confused”.“Self controlled” means orderly, not confused; organized, not chaotic; planned, not haphazard.

Peter  speaks to order and organization. It’s important in today's hectic lifestyle that we demonstrate both focus and perspective. This means surrendering control to the Father and obediently following His will. We need to be conscious that all belongs to GOD. We need to be with Him and seek His heart in prayer. 

As is always the case with the Father this order and organization has a purpose. The purpose of clear mindedness and self-control is explicitly stated:

“so that you can pray.”
“be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.”

Prayer is more important not less important when there is much to do. Prayer is both the secret of strength and the key to perseverance. Prayer brings you closer to Jesus, the heart of the Christian experience. It aids and blesses those you pray for.

Equally important is that  prayer is all-important in discerning God’s will and purpose for its future.

How are we to pray more effectively? Peter teaches us to be clear-minded: thinking/evaluating situations maturely despite fears and anxieties which require each of us to avoid hasty or prejudiced judgments.

 

The good news is that we can be confident that God has an exciting future for each of us.With this in mind it is our obligation to discover it. The best way to discover it is not to try to work it out for yourself, but to ask HIM.

Consider making PRAYER a priority today!