Jack Hibbs : LIFT Daily Prayer: The First and the Last

Embracing the Eternal: Prayer to the First and the Last

As we gather in prayer today, wherever you are, let us open our hearts to the living God. Today’s reflection comes from Revelation 1:17-18:

“When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. But He laid His right hand upon me and said, ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the living One; I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.'”

John, in the presence of Christ, was overwhelmed—not with fear, but with awe. And as the Lord reached out to him, He reassured: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.” This is the God of all eternity, the One who existed before all creation and who will remain long after all else has passed. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the living God who conquered death and reigns forever.

Father, we come before You with humble hearts, lifting the needs and concerns that weigh on us. Yet we pause, realizing that before You—who encompasses all things—our problems shrink. You are the First and the Last, our beginning and our end, the One who lived, died, and rose again, offering eternal life.

May this truth guide us today. Let us lay down our fears, trusting that Your hand is upon us. May our words, thoughts, and actions rise as a living sacrifice of praise. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, let us fix our eyes on You, the eternal God whose love, guidance, and protection never fail.

Lord, even as nations falter and darkness rises in the world, we place our hope in You. We rest in the assurance that whatever comes—whether trials or judgment—Your salvation and grace remain. We worship You, the First and the Last, the living One who holds all power and authority.

Be with us today, Lord. Strengthen all that aligns with Your will, remove what does not, and help us live in awe of Your eternal presence. We declare our faith in You, our refuge and our hope, and we trust in Your unending love.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.