Will you allow me one more note from Colossians 4:2?

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; – Colossians 4:2 NASB

I commented briefly about being devoted to prayer, but Paul gives further instructions regarding our prayer that needs our attention.

keeping alert in it.

It’s far too easy to let prayer become talking at God.

Let’s think in the natural. If I’m broadcasting a news report, I can just read it to you and I’m good to go. I have communicated to you. I have not communicated or communed with you.

This might be the way some pray, but it’s not the kind of prayer God desires. At least it can’t be our entire prayer life.

Paul, here, is exhorting us to get up close to the Father and be with Him. When we pray, we must keep our ears attuned to Him. Give Him our attention. When we cast our cares on Him we must keep paying attention to His Spirit’s whisper. He may give us solutions or strategies as we pray.

One of my favorite prayers these days, especially when faced with a difficult situation, “Lord, teach me to pray,” or “teach me how to pray for this.” And then—it’s time to listen!

Ok – simple and obvious, right. But I’m learning.

Thanks for stopping in today.

Have a great Lord’s day.

Ben