(1Pe 4:7): Earlier Peter told them to gird up the loins of their mind (1Pe 1:13). Now he said to prepare yourselves mentally [σωφρονήσατε οὖν καὶ νήψατε εἰς προσευχάς] in prayer.
There is to be a mental alertness. I have been asked at times, "How do I listen to God?" Peter addresses that here. Before he advised alertness and clear thinking; girding yourself for action and giving careful attention to all God is saying in light of "the grace brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed." Here (1Pe 4:7) his concern is to bring the Christians "alertness and attention" to focus specifically in their prayers. The importance of prayer is found throughout this epistle. Earlier he warned marriage partners against their prayers being hindered (1Pe 3:7).
Alertness or wakefulness in prayer is a common New Testament theme going back to Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane (Mar 14:38; Mat 26:41). Such passages as Luk 21:36; Col 4:2; Eph 6:18 suggest a need to be alert and clear-headed in prayer especially in our spiritual warfare. So "Pay attention." Wake up (1Pe 5:8)!
Kelsey Griffin
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