Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Prayer is one of the weak spots in my life. I don't pray as I should as often as I should for those I should. Today's verse served as a wake up call, a reminder of that. It is so easy to put our life as a Christian on some kind of autopilot where we think we are following Christ. But how can we if we don't spend time with him in prayer?
John Piper in a sermon on this passage states, "prayer is not some small thing. It is not a marginal thing. It is not some incidental thing in the Christian life. Prayer is at the heart of why God created the universe. You may have the modern, secular notion that the universe is really about great galactic events and supernovas and remarkable expanses of time and space and energy. But in reality the center of the created universe is man in the image of God. And the meaning of man in the image of God is to display God's glory. And the way God delights to display his glory in man is by being depended upon through prayer."
In our secular society, independence and self sufficiency are looked upon as strengths and virtues. For the Christian, in good times and in bad, we should realize and make known our dependence on God. Perhaps the best reflection of that is seen in our devotion to prayer, to communion with him. The devoted part has to do with staying alert in it, not being distracted or drawn away, while praying with thanksgiving.
Do you feel too busy to pray at times? In reality, we're "too busy not to pray".
In Christ,
Mike
Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Colossians 4:2-6
Amplified Bible (AMP)
2 Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving.
3 And at the same time pray for us also, that God may open a door to us for the Word (the Gospel), to proclaim the mystery concerning Christ (the Messiah) on account of which I am in prison;
4 That I may proclaim it fully and make it clear [speak boldly and unfold that mystery], as is my duty.
5 Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity.
6 Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you].
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