In 1 Peter 4:7 it says, “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. …” Here we see a good reason for vigilance in our prayer: because the end of all things is at hand—and He is coming!

There are also three other passages, in the gospels, which admonish us to be alert in preparation for His coming: in Matthew 24:42-44, in Mark 13:33-37, and in Luke 21:34-36.  These gospel passages are written primarily to those living during the tribulation period, to both non-believers (to be saved and ready to enter into His kingdom), and to believers (to have strength to continue trusting Him and praying for strength to escape all the horrible things that are coming upon them, Lu. 21:36).  However, the application here to alertness no doubt extends to us (the church) as well, to be ready for His…