Keys to Effective Praying

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.  With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;…The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. I Peter 4:1-4, 7 (English Standard Version, ESV)

Peter talks about having the right mindset to live for God and not for human passions. He also mentions the importance of being self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of our prayers..

We must be self-controlled, keeping ourselves in check, so our flesh does not run our lives. We must also be sober-minded, not thinking like drunk people think. Drunk people are not in control of their thoughts. They are erratic and behave unreasonably. They do not control their thoughts, but their thoughts control them.

For us to pray effectively, we must be self-controlled and sober-minded. We must take control over our thought lives and align how we think with the Word. We have to do this to pray and see our requests manifest. We cannot be distracted or consumed with the things or life and what is going on around us and take our focus off God. Let everyone else do what they want to do, but we don’t have to follow their example.

Peter points out why this is critical. He says it is because the end of all things is at hand. We are living in the last of the last days. We are on assignment and time is short. God needs us to pray, so don’t allow anything to hinder, delay, or stop your prayers. Pray God’s Word and pray in tongues. Pray from the heart that God’s plans will come to pass, not only for yourself, but for all mankind. Be self-controlled. Be sober-minded. And pray without ceasing!