(administrator note: the audio quality of this sermon is pretty poor on both the audio-file and the video-file, for which we apologize)

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear/sound minded and self-controlled/sober so that you can pray/for the purpose of prayer. NIV

I. The Telios-Culmination of All is already set in motion and inevitable

God's purposes in Creation  are going to be fulfilled; this world is not all there is...we will have to give an account (see 1Pt 4:6)

Eph 1:9 And He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment--to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

2Pt 3:3 scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 "Where is the promise of His coming?...all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." 5 they willfully forget: that by the word of God...7 preserved by the same word, are reserved until the day of judgment 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night,11 Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness 14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless

II. In light of the Telios:  What sort of people should we be? =  Sane and Sober             

Lk 12:40 “be ready”

A. Right mind=Life governed by objectives (Titus); self-control;  Lk 21:34 Don't spend all of your time thinking about eating or drinking or worrying about life. If you do, the final day will suddenly catch you like a trap. That day will surprise everyone on earth. 36 Watch out and keep praying that you can escape all that is going to happen and that the Son of Man will be pleased with you. CEV

B. Sober = non-escapist, accurate perception of reality, watchful-on guard   Mk 14:38  Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.
1Pt 1:13 gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Pr 28:9 One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination. Ps 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear  Isa 1:15 when you spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when you make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands... Isa 59:1 The LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear; 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear
1Jn 3:22 whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

III. For what should we pray (express desire to God)?

Communication in a relationship: Thanksgiving, Asking, Listening, Knowing
1Tim  2:1 I urge...that requests, prayers, intercession an thanksgiving be made for everyone      {Adore Confess Thank Supplication}

A.  Why?  We need to, We ought to, We want to.            Promptings to Prayer: 1) Problems -Punish, Perfect, Profit; 2); 3m) People      

B. Stages of Prayer (See Biblical Survey of Prayer  and TOYL Prayer List {Tools to Manage your Spiritual Life) on Truthbase.net)

1. Worthless words  Mt 6:7 when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases...think that they will be heard for their many words.ESV

2. Wants & Needs – desires to dependence Phil 4:6 not anxious...but in everything by prayer and supplication,let your requests be made known to God

3. Worship – thanksgiving to praise Ps 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.  Thankful..bless

4. Will transformation Lk 22:42 Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."
TOYL: Thanks, Adore, Confess, Renewal (Mind,Values,Acts), Affirmations-Victory, Needs-Priorities-Perspective, Others, Doxology

5. World change – others & world  Eph 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints ---19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak
Col 4:12 Epaphras...always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Mate & Ministry; Thanks & Things; World & Workers; Those who believe; Family & Friends; Salvation & Set Free; Self & Seek God

6. WOW (glorification of God)
2Thess 1:12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to  grace of our God and  Lord Jesus Christ.

C. Answers  Jer 33:3 Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.    Yes/No/Wait/Better

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. How conscious are most believers about what will happen in the future and the implications for their lives? What determines their agenda?
2. Do you tend to view prayer as a chore, a check-off item on your ToDo list, or a source of power and delight? What makes the difference?
3. Why do you think God responds negatively to those who don't meet the prerequisites for prayer? Is He just being difficult?
4. How would you rate yourself on “ready”, “sober and sane”?  How would you teach someone to have a Biblical prayer life?
5. What would keep you from experiencing the benefits of a vibrant prayer life this week? What are you going to do about it?