DEVOTED TO PRAYER
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
Colossians 4:2 (NLT)
To devote yourself to something means you must focus and make a conscious effort. It is work. None of the Olympic athletes we've seen compete just showed up at the time of the competition. They all devoted years to their sport because it mattered to them, and they wanted to be the best they could be. A while back, a husband wrote that he was frustrated with his wife because she wanted a great marriage. He admitted that he was so busy with his career, kids and life that he simply did not have the time or emotional energy to devote toward building a healthy marriage. He thought she was being idealistic and unrealistic. Mediocre was good enough for him. I don't think he fully understood the ramifications of that attitude.
Likely, the greatest gift a couple can give to their kids is a great marriage. But that will not happen just by working on everything that needs to be addressed in the marriage—it will require devoting ourselves to prayer. Why? Any marriage needs supernatural help. Not just because my spouse is a sinner; I am too!
Paul first emphasizes praying with an alert mind, not just going through the motions. Saying the same rote prayer at the dinner table or night is not praying with an alert mind. I believe praying with an alert mind simply includes recognizing God's presence, noticing the needs of those around us, and being sensitive to the thoughts God places in our minds. It includes focusing on God and being genuine with Him about what's going on in your life. If something is wrong, or you don't understand what's happening, ask God to give you insight. Seek His divine wisdom, which He promises to those who ask Him (James 1:5). Don't just sweep problems under the rug.
Regardless of what's going on, ask God to show you what you can be thankful for. This causes us to look for and trust how God works in any given circumstance.
Devoting ourselves to focused and transparent time with God while thanking Him for what He's done can strengthen our relationship with Him and our trust in Him. Praying like this with a spouse or a friend can also benefit that relationship.
APPLICATION: Cultivate an alert mind by being attentive to the needs of those around you, especially your spouse. Discuss openly with your spouse or a friend the areas where you need God's guidance and intervention, and pray specifically for those needs. Thank God for the benefits this brings to your relationship or marriage.
PRAYER: Lord, please help me be more devoted to praying with my spouse or someone I trust. Please instill in me a spirit of gratitude for all You have given us.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?