praying effectively: Prepare Your Minds for Action (1Peter 1:10-21)

(1 Peter 1:10-21)  As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.

13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

17 If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. 20 For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you 21 who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we avoid lusts of the world (1:14)

- that we remain sober in spirit (1:13)

- that we prepare our minds for action (1:13)

- that we are holy in our behavior, following the example of Jesus (1:15-16)

- that we fear and appreciate the Lord, and because of that, we desire to be obedient to His will (1:17-21)

- that we fix our hope completely on the Lord and His grace (1:13)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being the perfect example of holiness.  Help us desire to be more like You, holy and obedient to God's will.  Thank You for Your grace, so that our salvation is secure, even though we still make mistakes.  Thank You that You never give up on Your children.

May we be constantly preparing our hearts and minds to do as You direct us.  Help us not get distracted by the things of this world, but direct our hope to always be fixed You.  All to Your glory, amen.