Power in Prayer: Don’t Panic, Pray

by Marilynn Chadwick

We are living in turbulent times. The Middle East has erupted into a rapidly escalating war between Israel and Iran. No one can predict the full impact of this explosive conflict. Russia and Ukraine remain locked in their ongoing battle. Wars and rumors of wars abound. Strange weather patterns threaten many, as do virulent diseases and disasters. Our streets and cities grow more violent. Jesus told his disciples that these and other signs would point to his imminent return (Matthew 24).

The Doctrine of Imminence refers to the belief that the return of Jesus Christ (the Rapture) is possible at any moment. It emphasizes a constant state of readiness and expectancy among believers as they live in anticipation of Christ's soon return.

If you read the New Testament with this doctrine in mind, you’ll notice every author believed Jesus’s return was imminent, yet there is no hint of panic.

For example, the apostle Peter writes, “The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:7-10 NIV).

But notice this: When the “end of all things is near,” Peter doesn’t warn us to flee, panic, or shelter in place. The very first thing Peter instructs when the end is near is to pray. Peter also urges us to love others fervently, to be hospitable, and to use our gifts to serve others and penetrate darkness with light. He reminds us to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15).

During Peter’s day and throughout church history, many have sensed the return of Jesus could happen at any moment. Whether we believe Jesus’s return is soon or years in coming, we can learn from Martin Luther’s strong admonition: “Preach [and live] like Jesus was crucified yesterday, rose from the dead today, and is coming back tomorrow.”

How do we pray? And more specifically, how should we live as we wait for Jesus’s return?

The Bible gives us our marching orders. As we wait for Jesus’s return, we must remain attached to Jesus and keep the “oil in our lamp,” which represents being continually filled with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 25:1-13). We are to faithfully serve the least and the lost while we wait for our soon coming king (Matthew 25: 24-40). Above all, we must always be on the lookout. Jesus exhorts us, “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13).

If you thought the time was short, would you hustle to share the Gospel? How would your investment of time, talents, and treasures be different if you thought Jesus’s return was imminent?

Remember, prayer precedes everything else. Jesus reminds us to “pray earnestly to the Lord of the Harvest. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Luke 10:2 ESV).

Why not start today with this simple prayer, “Lord, send me.”