Today’s Open Heaven devotional arrives like a gentle but urgent knock on the door of your soul, inviting you to examine where you stand in light of eternity. Pastor E.A. Adeboye opens a two-part conversation about the return of Jesus Christ, not as a distant theological concept, but as a living expectation that should shape how you walk through every single day. Whether you are a long-time believer or someone still finding your footing in faith, this message speaks directly to you. Pull up a chair, open your heart, and let today’s truth settle somewhere deeper than your mind.
Open Heaven for October 4, 2026
Topic: Will You Be Ready (1)
Devotional: Open Heaven (RCCG)
Date: 2026-10-04
Bible reading: 2 Peter 3:3-14 (KJV)
Memory verse: Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. – Acts 1:11 (KJV)
One of the reasons I spent three years studying Elijah was that he was gloriously taken to heaven without having to taste death. If I could have my way, I also would prefer not to die but rather be raptured (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Ever since I have learnt of the rapture, my prayer every night before I sleep has been, “Lord, if You return before tomorrow, please don’t leave me behind.”
The realisation that tomorrow may never come, and that the Lord may return before sunrise, has kept me on my toes since I surrendered my life to Jesus. He can even come this very night. It is clearly written in Luke 17:34 that two people will be on the same bed; one will be taken, and the other will be left behind. If Jesus returns tonight, will you be with Him in glory, or will you be left behind?
Today, I will discuss three out of six crucial things you should know about the Lord’s second coming. The remaining three will be discussed tomorrow.
It is in two phases: The first phase is the rapture when Jesus descends from heaven to receive believers who have died and those who are still alive unto Himself (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). The second phase is His glorious return, which all eyes shall behold (Revelation 1:7, Revelation 19:11-16).
It is imminent: Although it may seem delayed, Jesus will return soon. Ignore people who speak and act as if He will never return. Peter already spoke about them in today’s Bible reading, how they will arise in the last days to challenge this truth. Sadly, many pastors have not preached about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ in years. Beloved, don’t lose focus; keep in mind that Jesus’ return is closer than you think. I know His coming seems to be delayed, but God’s measurement of time is different from man’s measurement, as today’s Bible reading also tells us.
It is certain: Jesus’ return is certain, and there is nothing anyone can do to change it. Today’s Bible reading also tells us that the Lord is not slack concerning His promise. He has promised to return, and it is certain that He will (Acts 1:10-11).
In Matthew 24:4-51, Jesus gave us numerous signs of His coming, and one of the prominent signs is that many deceivers will arise and many will be deceived. I pray that you will not be deceived in any way, in Jesus’ name.
Source: Open Heaven (RCCG), official devotional
Open Heaven Prayer Points for Today
These Open Heaven prayer points for today are original PrayerPrompt content, declarations and a reflection to turn today’s message into prayer.
Prayer Points
- Lord Jesus, awaken in me a genuine, daily longing for Your return, not out of fear, but out of love for You and the hope of seeing Your face.
- Father, search my heart right now and reveal anything that would disqualify me from being counted among those caught up to meet You in the air.
- Holy Spirit, keep me from growing spiritually comfortable or complacent, especially in seasons when Your return seems distant or delayed.
- God, give me discernment to recognise deception when it rises around me, and anchor my faith so firmly in Your Word that no false voice can uproot it.
- Lord, I pray for every pastor and church leader, stir in them a fresh boldness to preach the full counsel of Your Word, including the truth of Your Second Coming.
- Father, let the reality of eternity reorder my priorities today, my time, my conversations, my choices, and my relationships.
- Jesus, I pray for family members and friends who are not yet ready for Your return; draw them to Yourself with a love they cannot resist.
- Lord, thank You that Your promise to return is not uncertain speculation but a sealed covenant, help me live each day in the light of that certainty.
Declarations
- I am alert and spiritually prepared, for I belong to the day and not to the night, and the return of Jesus Christ is the blessed hope I carry in my heart.
- I will not be left behind, I am washed, forgiven, and found in Christ, walking in readiness as one who expects her Master at any moment.
- No voice of scepticism or spiritual laziness will pull me away from the truth of Christ's imminent return; I am grounded in the unshakeable Word of God.
- I declare that my life is oriented toward eternity; the things I pursue, the words I speak, and the love I show all point to a heart that is watching and waiting.
- Because Jesus is coming again, in certainty, in glory, and without delay from God's perspective, I choose faith over fear and readiness over regret, every single day.
Reflection
Readiness for Christ’s return is less about predicting a date on a calendar and more about the quiet, daily posture of your heart. Consider one specific area of your life, a relationship, a habit, a hidden attitude, that you would want to quickly straighten out if you knew Jesus was returning at midnight tonight. You do not have to wait for that urgency to strike; the grace to address it is available to you right now. Let today be the day you close that gap, not out of panic, but out of love for the One who is surely coming.
Pray With PrayerPrompt Today
Test Your Understanding
Answer these 5 questions on today's devotional, then see how you did.
