| Colossians 4:2 – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” |
It is always interesting when we meet someone new and spend some time getting to know them. We find out what they do (or did) for a living, where they went to school, if they are married or have children or grandchildren. We may learn about the places they have traveled or famous people they have met.
Before too long we will learn about what they are truly passionate about. Whether it is a movie series like Star Wars, Harry Potter books, the latest video games, hobbies, or a musician they follow across the country, it usually does not take a long time to learn where their true devotions lie.
Even now when I meet someone new, the first things I share are my job, where I live, and about my family. Perhaps it is today’s society that has impressed on us not to discuss religion, but does my devotion to God ever enter into my conversations?
We are instructed in today’s verse to be devoted to prayer to God, expressing our thankfulness to Him for all he has done for us. I struggle in this area, with my prayer life at times being dry and little more than ‘thank you for this food’ before a meal.
God wants a relationship with us and that involves reading his word and talking with him. Have real and honest conversations. Thank him for the good things and ask for help with the difficult. Listen as well as speak. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
Prayer: Dear Father – help me to be more devoted to an open and honest prayer life with you. I want to set aside the things of this world that don’t really matter and develop the habit of spending quality time with you – thanking you for your goodness and your love and seeking guidance in times of difficulty. Help me to show that devotion to others I meet throughout my day. Amen
– Betty Gossell
