Daily Devotional - A Time of Gratitude - WK48 - 11/26/24 - Day 310 "Devotion to Prayer"

Author: Elder Jay Wells

“Devotion to Prayer”
Scripture: Colossians 4:2

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”

Devotion:
In our Christian life, we are encouraged to continue steadfastly in prayer and to
continuously bring our needs before our heavenly Provider; to lift up others to the eternal throne of grace, and listen to His instructions. This is proposed by Paul as a duty and responsibility, and yet it is the greatest privilege given to the believer to come before the throne of grace with petitions, prayers, and pleas for our fellow-man and our brothers and sisters in Christ.  
         
Prayer should be as regular as breathing to us as believers. However, prayer is often the first Christian 'duty' to be dropped when life starts to close-in on us, or when we are 
pressed for time. But we must beware that an irregular prayer life is the first slippery
step on the downward path to complacency, carnality, and an ineffective Christian
witness.

Paul encourages us in this scripture to be devoted to prayer, and not only that, but to pray with an attitude of thanksgiving. No matter how things may look in our lives and personal situations, we should remember that we are encouraged in the scripture to give thanks in every situation. One of my favorite scriptures is Romans 8:28, and it tells us that everything works out for our good. That means the good, bad, and even the ugly will work out for our good, if we love the Lord.

So, as we continue on this week, let us all purpose in our hearts to stay committed to remain prayerful and to pray with a thankful heart. Not only on Thanksgiving around the table, but every day of the year.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your grace and mercy toward us. Thank You that I have the right to lay at Your feet my own needs and those of others. I pray that You increase our understanding of the great privilege of prayer that has been granted to us as Your children, and I pray that You help us to devote our lives increasingly to You in prayer, praise, and grateful thanks. This I ask in Jesus' name, Amen.