Sober Prayer

1 Peter 4:7-11
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

I love the book of 1 Peter. He writes with directness. He doesn’t hold back his words. Throughout this letter Peter has identified the dangers of an unhealthy prayer life. In chapter 3 he tells husbands that not placing honor on their wives as well as poor judgement and a uncontrolled spirit will hinder the prayer life. Here in chapter 4 he identifies the danger of unhealthy prayers especially during a time of adversity. It appears that his thought process is during the last days you will really need the power of prayer to remain stable. Hardships will abound, you need to pray. If you have poor judgement and an uncontrolled spirit and bring dishonor to your wife, your prayers will be ineffective. 

We need stability in the church. As men and women of God we must turn to the only hope that we have in Christ. We have made a hobby out of creating conditions of false hope and yet the reality is that Christ is the only thing that will not be shaken. He will remain. People, places and possessions are all fleeting. 1 Peter is a call for the christian to turn to Christ and know the power of God during times of instability. His call in 1 Peter 4 is to pursue a sober prayer life. This means that we are to develop a healthy habit of prayer.

To abound in sober prayer means to approach life with great thoughtfulness- not with mindless stagger. The idea is to be self restrained and calm no matter what tomorrow may bring. The application is to walk prayerfully in all circumstances. I should imagine that I am in a war walking through a minefield and with each step today I should proceed with great caution. Our aim should be to move throughout the day with this level of prayerful consideration. By prayer take every step with dependence on God.