Relax because the timing is already known

Wait until signs are obvious before paying attention

Live in ready obedience instead of postponing faithfulness

Spend your energy trying to calculate the date from signs

Assume later will be easier, so delay obedience

Treat the warning as only for the first disciples

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and have not lived ready for your coming. I cannot save myself. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and open my life to you. Be my Lord, forgive me, and teach me to live awake before you. Amen.

Come, Lord Jesus

Lord, awaken your Church from drowsiness, distraction, and delay. Give us clear eyes, steady hearts, and a ready spirit so we live each day expecting your coming. Make us faithful, watchful, and full of hope until you return, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Wake Your Church

Pray by naming one place where you have become careless or distracted, ask Jesus to make you alert, and choose one concrete act of obedience that will help you stay ready today.

Pray to Stay Ready Today

Bring these to God: thankfulness that Jesus is coming, relief that the timing belongs to him, and gratitude for the call to live ready.

Gratitude for the Lord's Coming

Father, I lift up people around me who are spiritually sleepy, anxious, or pulled away by daily cares. Stir their hearts, help them hear your warning, and draw them into readiness for your coming, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

For the Distracted and Drowsy

Bring these to God: worship for the Lord who comes, trust in his wise timing, and praise that he deserves a watchful people.

Praise for the Coming Lord

γρηγορεῖτε{gree-go-REE-te###gree-goh-REE-teh###Stay awake} οὖν,{OON###OON###therefore} ὅτι{HO-ti###HOH-tee###for} οὐκ{OOK###OOK###not} οἴδατε{EE-da-te###EE-dah-teh###you know} ποίᾳ{PEE-a###PEE-ah###which} ⸀ἡμέρᾳ{hee-ME-ra###hee-MEH-rah###day} ὁ{HO###HOH###(the)} κύριος{KEE-ree-os###KEE-ree-ohs###Lord} ὑμῶν{hee-MON###hee-MOHN###your} ἔρχεται.{ER-khe-te###EHR-kheh-teh###(he) is coming}

Matthew 24:42 — FormalTAB

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