For the Sake of Our Prayers (DMM-FEB17)

Who among us values prayer so much that we make daily ethical decisions based on how it affects our prayers? This seems to be what the apostle Peter is suggesting—and even instructing us to do. In his discussion of the husband’s attitude toward his wife, he adds, “ . . . so that your prayers may not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7). In writing about living a blessed life, Peter emphasizes the eyes and the ears of the Lord being open to our prayers as we consider what we say and how we behave (1 Peter 3:10–12). Even later in the letter, he states how our eschatology (concept of last things) affects our prayers (1 Peter 4:7). For Peter, the privilege and power of prayer is so important that it should be considered as a primary goal of life. We are God’s partners on earth, and our part is first of all prayer.