2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Jeremiah 10:1-11:23 ESV, Colossians 3:18-4:18 ESV, Psalm 78:56-72 ESV, Proverbs 24:28-29 ESV
Daily Verse: “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2 ESV)
GREGOREUO (1127): “As a verb, has the meaning of vigilance and expectancy as contrasted with laxity and indifference.”[1]
Vigilance and expectancy.
Prayerfulness, remaining in constant contact with God, requires intentionality. Paul wants everyone to begin developing an attitude of prayer, devoting themselves to it.
The root word for “devote yourselves” comes from “to be strong.” Implying persistence and fervor, while “being watchful” refers to spiritual alertness. Following Christ and becoming watchful and active in prayer creates fullness in life you can find no other way.
Praying with an attitude of thankfulness refers to how we should offer our prayers to God. In all things, find something to thank God for as you begin the conversation with Him.
Devoted Prayer.
Creating a lifestyle of prayer means including God in everything. In other words, think of yourself as never alone. Everywhere you go, so does Jesus. He knows and sees all you do. You don’t need to fill Christ in on the details; include Him in the conversation.
For instance, I pray, “Lord, help me,” often. When I get up in the morning, stiff and achy, “Lord, help me.” As I begin my lessons, “Lord, help me teach well.” When I sit down to write, “Lord, help me write.” When I don’t have words during difficult conversations, “Lord, help me” always works. I don’t need to give God details, He already knows them, but I need His help in all I do.
Developing a continual conversation with God means acknowledging His presence in your life. When God feels distant from us, He didn’t move; we did. Closing the gap happens when we start a conversation with Jesus, talking to Him about whatever struggles or joys we face.
Just like wifi connects us to the internet, prayer connects us to God. God never loses service, and He always has a strong signal. But if we stop connecting, we miss God’s divine assistance.
Start today, and include God in all you do. Short prayers keep us connected to the source and help us live life to the fullest as Jesus intends.
[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 62) Thomas Nelson
