How to Pray This Thanksgiving
Introduction: Jesus lovingly warned His disciples to pray when things look bad. This is in the context just before He returns in glory and power.
Are you praying about the End Time Events? If not, why not? And if so, how should we pray? A closer look at the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help us to understand the importance of prayer during these troubling days.
“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:36). We will all stand before Jesus whether at the “Great White Throne” Judgment—for unbelievers, or at the “Judgment Seat of Christ”—for believers.
1) Praying for the Nations at War in This World!—”Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Luke 21:10). Does it seem to you the world is at war, whether directly or indirectly? We are told that there are approximately 150 nations at war. Greed, hate, and selfishness are driving nations against nations. Jesus forewarned us that it would be this way.
2) Praying During Christian Persecution!—”And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake” (Luke 21:17). Today Christians are in the fire—a fire stoked by hatred and hostility from the anti-Christian governments. Groups claiming to be followers of Jesus are twisting the Scriptures (2 Peter 3:16), and attempting through ungodly laws to force everyone to go along with their views. If anyone objects because of conscience or conviction they will be lambasted, persecuted and perhaps thrown in jail.
But why should we be surprised? Jesus was crucified and all of His disciples were martyred (except John), not including Judas Iscariot who betrayed our Lord. Are we exempt from being lightning rods? The blood of the martyrs runs knee deep down through the centuries.
Satan knows his time is short. Therefore, we can expect more to come. Our Lord forewarned us of these days. Stand strong. Keep fighting the “Good Fight of Faith”! Choose to love and forgive without compromising truth!! Our Lord will bless you.
3) Praying for the Hearts of Men Not to Fear!—”Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:26-27). Fear is the opposite of faith. How can we have faith if we live in fear?
While we are to fear the Lord (Proverbs 1:7—reverence), Jesus encouraged us not to fear man. Furthermore, if we are aware of the times explained in the Scriptures—we should have confidence that our God is in control of the nations, kings, and events to come in the future. Why “fear” when Jesus is “near”? Besides that—why “fear” when Jesus is “here”!
Are you afraid?
4) Praying for Redemption Which Is Near!—”And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28). Life is short. Eternity is long. Heaven is real. Jesus Christ died for our sins, arose from the dead, ascended on high, and has promised to come again! Are you ready? Pray for His kingdom to come.
Conclusion: Since it is a late hour, we need to pray. Let’s pray for the nations, i.e. Israel. Pray for the lost who are not ready to meet Jesus. Pray for Christians who are being persecuted. Pray to be a bold witness because we have been forgiven by grace thru faith— no longer guilty because of the redeeming blood of Jesus! Pray to be pure and productive until He comes.
For more teaching on End Time Events visit the Until That Day You Tube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/untilthatday. Until That Day is an outreach ministry of New Rocky Creek Baptist Church. Every day, more and more people are becoming aware of the significance of Bible prophecy. God’s Word is being fulfilled all around us. Learn to talk intelligently and spiritually with your loved ones about the things unfolding in our world today