Colossians 4:2 – Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
This month we have already learned that prayer is not a one time only or one-and-done process. We are to be devoted to prayer. We see in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 that we are to pray without ceasing. And then today’s verse reminds us to devote ourselves to prayer. Devotion is a long term commitment, not a one time only action.
In addition to long term devotion and commitment, we are told to be watchful. This indicates that we are to be mindful of what we are doing, just as the guard who is standing watch is. Our attention should be directed towards the prayers we are engaged in. Prayer is not a careless act. It is something we should be taking seriously, watching and fully devoted to.
And over all of this we should be thankful. We know that God hears us and is faithful to answer. As we seek Him and His will, we draw near and enjoy a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him. This naturally results in gratitude. We should offer up that gratitude in words of thanksgiving.
Unfortunately many believers slack off on the prayers when life gets busy or things get tough. In those busy times or the rough patches in our lives we should be more apt to pray, not less. But we don’t do as we should, and then our spiritual lives begin to suffer.
In those times we need to double down and pray more, not less. We should be more watchful, especially when you consider verses like Matthew 26:41 where we are cautioned to watch and pray, lest we fall victim to temptation.
How is your prayer life? Are you devoting yourself to prayer, watching and being thankful? Conduct a spiritual inventory and be honest with yourself. And if you feel your prayers are lacking, make some changes in your life.
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