praying effectively: Wake Up (Rev.3:1-6)

(Revelation 3:1-6)  “To the angel of the church in Sardis write:

He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. 3 So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. 4 But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

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 everyone hears and listens to God's word (3:6)

- that sinners wake up, and build on the things have been heard, realizing that the good deeds they do are not enough to save them (3:2)

- that sinners heed the gospel message they have heard and repent (3:3)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank Your for Your words of life.  May Your word spread throughout the nations.  May everyone hear the good news.  Convict hearts to wake up and turn to You and repent.  Bless and strengthen all those who believe in You, so that through them You may be glorified.  Amen.