Praying in light of eternity

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Peter had been present when the Lord had spoken of another, an eternal realm. For example, Peter had heard Him speak of ‘treasure in heaven, which does not fail’, Luke 12:33, 41. The point registered with Peter, and he developed it in his letters.

He wrote of ‘an inheritance’ which is incorruptible, undefiled and unfading, ‘reserved in heaven for you’, 1 Pet. 1:4, of an ‘unfading’ crown of glory, 5:4, and of the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 2 Pet. 1:11. By way of contrast, he taught that the present world and all in it will be destroyed and dissolved with fire, 3:7, 10–12. 

The things of earth will not continue forever. And neither will the adverse circumstances of the present life. When viewed against the eternal glory to which we are called, the various trials and the sufferings of the present are only ‘for a little (time)’, 1 Pet. 1:6; 5:10 lit.

We are not here forever; we are only sojourners and pilgrims in this world, 2:11. Peter believed that this should affect our whole outlook on life. We must not be ‘short-sighted’, 2 Pet. 1:9; we must assess everything in the light of eternity. Nowhere is this more important than in the matter of prayer. Hence today’s text: ‘The end of all things has drawn near. 

Therefore, be of sound mind and sober with a view to (your) prayers, 1 Pet. 4:7 lit. Peter’s words can be paraphrased, ‘This world will not last forever. Considered in the light of eternity, its end is near. 

Understanding this, we can form a sound judgement of all events and situations around us. We can determine what really matters and what does not. We can be ‘free from intoxication’ (‘watch’, AV), not allowing our minds to be muddled and our visions blurred by the seeming importance of this present world. Preparation for the Lord’s coming kingdom is far more important. Our prayers should reflect this outlook.

We need to review seriously the things we pray for. Our prayers are often coloured by the values and priorities of the world around. Our comfort, safety and physical well-being often matter more than our preparation for our Lord’s eternal kingdom. Yet, for example, Peter saw it more important to have one’s faith refined by suffering than to avoid that suffering, 1:7. Ask yourself today which world matters most—and pray accordingly.




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