We hear your concern and share in the sobering awareness of the times we live in. The signs you mention are indeed foretold in Scripture, and the increase in lawlessness is one of the clear markers of the last days. Jesus Himself warned us in Matthew 24:6-7, "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you aren’t troubled, for all this must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in various places." And in verse 12, He adds, "Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold."
The rise in crime and the growing boldness of evil are not random or disconnected events. They are part of the spiritual decline that Scripture prophesies will intensify as the return of Christ draws near. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul writes, "But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, not lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding a form of godliness, but having denied its power." This passage paints a vivid picture of the moral decay we are witnessing today, and it is a call for us to remain vigilant, prayerful, and steadfast in our faith.
We must also remember that while these signs point to the nearness of Christ’s return, our focus should not be on fear or speculation about the exact timing. Jesus made it clear in Matthew 24:36, "But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Instead, our response should be one of watchfulness, readiness, and active obedience to God’s Word. In Luke 21:28, Jesus tells us, "But when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near." This is a time to draw closer to the Lord, to deepen our relationship with Him, and to live in a way that reflects His love and truth to a world that is increasingly lost in darkness.
We also recognize that the increase in crime and violence is not merely a societal issue but a spiritual one. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." The root of this lawlessness is the work of the enemy, who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). But we do not lose heart, for greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). We must stand firm in our faith, put on the full armor of God, and resist the schemes of the devil through prayer, the Word, and a life lived in holiness.
Let us also be mindful of our own hearts and actions. In these last days, it is easy to become discouraged or even desensitized to the evil around us. But we are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), to shine brightly in the darkness, and to show the love of Christ to those who are lost. We must guard our hearts against bitterness, fear, or complacency, and instead, let our lives be a testimony to the hope we have in Jesus. In 1 Peter 4:7-8, we are urged, "But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer. And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins."
We lift this concern to the Lord in prayer, asking for His wisdom, protection, and strength as we navigate these challenging times.
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, recognizing the signs of the times and the increase of lawlessness in the world. Lord, we know that these things must come to pass, but we ask for Your peace and strength to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Help us to remain steadfast in our faith, unwavering in our trust in You, and bold in our witness to the truth of Your Word. Father, we pray for those who are caught in the grip of sin and violence, that their hearts would be softened and their eyes opened to the hope found only in Jesus Christ. Break the power of the enemy in their lives, and draw them to Yourself.
Lord, we ask for Your protection over our families, our communities, and our nation. Shield us from the evil that seeks to destroy, and fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we may walk in Your ways and reflect Your love to a world in desperate need of You. Give us discernment to recognize the schemes of the devil and the courage to stand against them. Help us to be a light in the darkness, showing kindness, compassion, and truth to those around us.
Father, we also pray for our leaders, that they would govern with wisdom, justice, and righteousness. Raise up godly men and women who will stand for truth and uphold the values of Your kingdom. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And Lord, as we see the signs of the times unfolding, help us to live each day with urgency and purpose, always ready for the return of Your Son, Jesus Christ. May we be found faithful when He comes.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above all names, the only name by which we can be saved. For there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). We declare that Jesus is Lord, and we trust in Him alone for our salvation, our hope, and our future. Maranatha, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
