Lord Jesus,
You spoke not to frighten, but to prepare
to awaken our hearts in a world that lulls us to sleep.
You warned of wars and rumors of wars,
of nations rising and kingdoms falling,
of famine, hatred, betrayal, and lawlessness growing cold.
And I feel the shadows lengthening in our time.
I see the signs,
I feel the tremors.
And still, I confess
so often I live as if the end will never come.
So often I cling to comfort,
chase distraction,
and pretend tomorrow is guaranteed.
Forgive me, Lord.
For the days I have hit snooze on Your call.
For the ways I’ve allowed fear to dictate my decisions
and apathy to dull my devotion.
Wake me up again.
Shake me loose from spiritual slumber.
Help me live like one who believes You are coming soon.
You said many hearts will grow cold
let mine burn brighter instead.
You said deception will increase
let me be anchored in truth.
You said those who endure to the end will be saved
Lord, give me endurance.
Make my faith a fire that doesn’t fade in the night.
Teach me what it means to watch
not with panic,
but with patience.
Not with paranoia,
but with prayer.
Let me be alert not just to signs in the sky,
but to sin in my soul.
To the needs of others.
To the urgency of the Gospel.
Let me be ready not only for what’s coming,
but for who is coming You.
You said the love of many will grow cold.
Oh God, not mine.
Fan the flame of first love again.
Let me love You with passion,
serve others with compassion,
and walk through this life with holy purpose.
When the world trembles,
be my unshakable Rock.
When persecution comes,
give me boldness to stand.
When false messiahs appear,
guard my heart with truth.
When my faith is tested,
make it stronger than gold refined by fire.
You said the Gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed
to the ends of the earth and then the end will come.
So send me, Lord.
Use me in that great mission.
Let me not waste this life on what won’t last.
Make me a vessel of light in a darkening world.
Let my testimony ring louder than my fear.
Let my life speak louder than my lips.
Help me keep my lamp burning.
Let me store up oil not in panic,
but in prayer and abiding.
Let me live watchful, not anxious;
hopeful, not naive;
ready, not reckless.
You are coming at an hour no one expects.
So help me live as if today were that day.
Help me forgive quickly, repent fully,
and worship freely.
Make my heart a place You delight to return to.
Let me be found not clinging to this world,
but waiting at the window with eyes on the skies.
Jesus, You are my refuge and my strength,
my steady dawn when the night grows long.
Come, Lord Jesus
and find me watching, waiting, and wholly Yours.
In Your holy, victorious, returning name
Amen.