Responding to "End Times" Teaching (Part II)

south ridge church

Nov 23

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

Daniel 12:9 "Go now, Daniel, for what I have said is kept secret and sealed until the time of the end."

In yesterday's reading we noted that we ought not respond to teachings about the End Times in fear, but should instead respond by living in peace. Another proper response to Scripture passages or teachings on the End Times is to respond with a heart a Prayer.

All throughout the book of Daniel, we see Daniel ensure that prayer is a foundational practice of his spiritual life (see Daniel 6:10). Daniel was not the kind of person to wait until something bad happened and then spend a lot of extra time in prayer. Instead, he prepared his life and his soul for bad situations that would arise by maintaining a very purposeful and ongoing life of prayer. As a result, when difficult situations arose, he was able to enter into them with a non-anxious presence and could respond in a peaceful and godly manner.

As you read today, consider your prayer life. Do you maintain a purposeful prayer life in seasons when life is going well, or do you wait for negative situations to occur to begin practicing a life of prayer?

READING & PRAYERS:

DANIEL 12:1-13 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Consider writing down a list of 8-10 positive ways your life would be different if you more fully cultivated a life of prayer. Then write out a plan for how you can begin to practice a life of prayer in the weeks and months to come.

REAL LIFE PRACTICE: As you pray today, spend an equal amount of time listening to God as you spend talking to God. Perhaps listen even longer. Consider making this a part of your daily practices so you can discern God's voice more clearly.

Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know prayer is one of those practices I should participate in on a regular basis, but it isn't one I have prioritized to practice each and every day. Help me as I grow to practice the discipline of prayer more consistently. In Jesus' name. Amen.

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)