Praying for the End Times: A Call to Urgent Prayer
As Christians, we are called to pray without ceasing, but there is a sense of urgency that comes with praying in the end times. The Bible tells us that the end of all things is at hand, and this reality should shape our prayers and motivate us to pray with greater fervency.
The Connection Between the Second Coming and Prayer
In 1 Peter 4:7-8, we read, “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” The word “therefore” indicates a connection between the second coming of Christ and prayer. As the end draws near, we are called to be more diligent in our prayers, not less.
Why Pray with Urgency?
Jesus warned his disciples to watch themselves lest their hearts be weighed down with the cares of this life, and that day come upon them suddenly like a trap (Luke 21:34). He instructed them to stay awake at all times, praying for strength to escape the challenges that lie ahead and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36). The last days will present believers with extraordinary difficulties, and we will need extraordinary strength to persevere.
Praying for the Kingdom to Come
One of the prayers Jesus taught us to pray is, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). This prayer has layers of meaning, including the establishment of Christ’s kingdom in our hearts, the advancement of his saving work in evangelism and world missions, and the ultimate fulfillment of his kingdom in the new heavens and the new earth.
Praying for the Lord’s Return
Our prayers for the kingdom to come are also prayers for the Lord’s return. We pray for God to act in such a way that history is brought to its consummation. Jesus said, “This gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). Every advance of the gospel is both an encouragement that the Lord is nearing and an incentive to hasten his coming by giving great energy to world evangelization.
A Call to Action
George Ladd wrote, “The final victory awaits the completion of our task. ‘And then the end will come.’ When is Christ coming again? When the Church has finished its task. When will This Age end? When the world has been evangelized.” We do not need to know exactly when the task is complete; we only need to know that Christ has not yet returned, and therefore our work is undone. Let us get busy and complete our mission.
Conclusion
Praying in the end times requires a sense of urgency and a commitment to completing the task of world evangelization. May we cultivate a deeper love for the Lord’s appearing and a greater sense of responsibility to pray for the advancement of his kingdom. As we pray, may we be motivated to share the gospel with all nations and to hasten the Lord’s return.
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