Colossians 4:2
SàDevote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
HàAs Paul is urging the church of Collosa to pray he offers two dynamics of this devotion to praying. To pray with an alert mind and a thankful heart is to pray with devotion. These two qualities come together to form a devoted prayer life. Perhaps Paul has experienced that it is through these two modes that his own prayer life stays devoted and by these two modes he is able to discern God’s movement in his life more than any other way.
AàHow often do I sit to pray with out an alert mind or a thankful heart? I get done praying and think to myself; that was a waste of time. Perhaps I am coming to the place of prayer with the wrong clothes. Maybe I need to take a step back and come with an “alert mind” and a “thankful heart” and then I will be able to properly devote myself to prayer. I am also so thankful this morning for St. Teresa’s discussion about “soul sickness.” This reminder that at times are souls are sick and productive prayer seems like light years a way. She offers good advice to not beat ourselves up but to recognize it (even take a break if needed) and know that it will only last for a period of time before we are well and can come back to God with an alert mind and thankful heart.
PàJesus I come to you today and my soul is somewhat sick. I come and find it hard to have an alert mind or a thankful heart. I come realizing all the work to be done and frustrated with the current situation. I pray that you would take these distractions away; that you would heal me of my soul sickness and give me an alert mind and a thankful heart this morning that I might, through your grace, live into the call of a devoted prayer life. Amen.
EàMy prayer life hinges upon an alert mind and thankful heart.
chadpullins@connect2crossroads.com
