But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 1 Peter 4:7 (NKJV)
Be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. (ESV)
Be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. (NAS)
Be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. (NLT)
Be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. (NIV)
Keep sane and sober for your prayers. (RSV)
The New Testament was written in Greek, not English. We don’t have a one-to-one correspondence with the words. I don’t know enough Greek to tell you which one is best. However, I know enough of life to tell you they are all good.
In these times, we need to pray.
Not be swept away by emotion or worry.
Not undertake prayers lightly or half-heartedly.
For the sake of your prayers
For the purpose of your prayers
For the content of your prayers
Recognizing who were are
Recognizing whom we are addressing
Recognizing why we pray
Not “if you pray”
When you pray
Self-controlled, sober, clear-minded, earnest and disciplined.