II Thessalonians tells us what God has foreordained. Paul tells us the mystery of iniquity (lawlessness, stubbornness and rebellion) will be allowed to grow during these last days. Conversely, the restraining force of the Church will keep it from completely taking over until the appointed time that the Lamb’s (Jesus Christ) sovereignly gives it. We, the Church, through prayer, the Word, and obedience are God’s restraining force to the growing evil and darkness around us. That is if we pray His Word accordingly as the Spirit leads us to pray specific passages of promises.

Historically, gatekeepers were appointed by Kings David and King Solomon to stand guard at the temple (see I Chronicles 26). Later, Nehemiah appointed gatekeepers when the walls of Jerusalem were being rebuilt (Nehemiah 4:13-23). They were assigned to stand guard at the various gates into the city: north, south, east, and west. The gatekeepers were responsible for guarding the city, opening and closing the gates, and overseeing rooms in the temple. 

As the Body of Christ there are many things that can call for our attention, some of which are good and profitable. That said, there are specific things that should always be in our prayers, "God things" of eternal value. When we pray in this way, we know we pray according to His will.