Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Is a daily devotional part of your regular routine? If you are reading this today, there is a good chance you would say yes. The word “devotional” generally describes a time set aside for God to pray, read the Bible, and/or simply to worship God. Sometimes we call this time of devotion a “quiet time” or “Bible study,” but Colossians 4:2 reminds us that time with God is not limited to a few minutes before the workday begins. God loves us so much that He wants to spend the entire day with us.
It is helpful to build time with God into our daily routine so that we can be intentional about walking with the Lord daily. The enemy doesn’t want us to spend time with God and so routine reminds us and resets our heart for the day. Webster’s Dictionary defines the word “devotional” as a short worship service. What a great way to think about this time that we set aside for God each day!
A “quiet time” doesn’t have to be quiet. Time with God is about worshipping Him. And we can be creative! We can read scripture aloud, listen to it being read aloud, sing, write, and even pray God’s word back to Him. Colossians 4:2 reminds us to do more than absently run down a list of prayer requests. Prayer is communion with God, conversation involving talking and listening. Paul says devote yourselves to prayer.
Think about this word devotion. What are some things you are devoted to? Being a wife and mother come to my mind—these are full time roles I am committed to day after day and I have shaped my life around them. Paul challenges us to be committed full time to prayer. Does that challenge you like it does me to become a full time prayer warrior? Paul tells us how. He says to be watchful and thankful. A great way to begin living devoted to prayer is by taking notice of the world around us.
When we are devoted to prayer, we make time for it and it stays on our mind. Ephesians 6:18 is a great example: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Our prayer lists are important people entrusted to us to pray for. Parents pray over your kids today, spouses pray over your marriages, teachers pray over your students, coaches pray over your team, store managers pray over your employees, children pray over your friends. Let’s pray for the world around us.
Paul held the Colossian believers, among others, dear to his heart and prayed for them. Do you pray intentionally for your friends and family members? Your pastors and staff? Your community and leaders? Prayer makes a difference! James 5:16 reminds us that believers’ prayers are powerful and effective. Stay watchful and thankful this week, let God show you how to become fully devoted to Him in time and in prayer.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, teach me how to be fully devoted to you. Give me discipline to put you first in my routine and teach me to be watchful and thankful throughout my day. Teach me how to be fully devoted in prayer. In Jesus Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Exodus 15:2
The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.