Devote Yourself to Prayer

Colossians 4:2 (NLT):

"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart."

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The apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Colossians in which he encouraged them to devote themselves to prayer. The believers in Colossae, like us, faced various challenges and temptations. Prayer was important to Paul because it allowed him to connect with God and find strength, guidance, and comfort. Hallelujah!

To "devote" oneself to prayer, as stated in Colossians 4:2, means to commit wholeheartedly, to prioritise and set aside dedicated time to communicate with God, expressing our thoughts, desires, and concerns. Approaching prayer with an alert mind and being fully present and engaged in the conversation with God is what it means to devote oneself to prayer. Additionally, Paul encourages us believers to cultivate a thankful heart, thanking God for His blessings and faithfulness.

What Devotion to Prayer Is and Is Not:

Before we delve into what it means to devote ourselves to prayer, we must first define what it is not. Devoting yourself to prayer does not imply reciting words without heartfelt sincerity or using prayer to manipulate God.

Instead, it is a genuine, personal, or intimate connection with God in which we express our reliance or dependance, gratitude, and surrender.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, I'd like to talk to you about the importance and power of devoting yourself to prayer. Prayer is not difficult or complicated; it is simply a conversation with our Heavenly Father. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that He hears every word we say, just like a child speaking to their loving parent. Prayer is an essential part of our faith journey, a vital lifeline that connects us to our Heavenly Father. Let us understand devotion to prayer in six points:

1. Prayer is a Privilege:

Let us recognise the importance of prayer. We must remember that prayer is a privilege, not a religious obligation. Prayer is something we get to do, rather than something we have to do. It is a method of communicating with our Heavenly Father, who enjoys hearing from us. We have an incredible opportunity in prayer to approach the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One who holds our lives in God's hands, the One who knows us intimately and unconditionally loves us. Let us never take this gift for granted, but rather approach it with reverence and awe.

2. The Intimacy of Prayer:

Prayer does not have to be limited to formal or memorised prayers. While these are important, prayer is also about having a genuine, personal conversation with God. We are invited into an intimate relationship with God when we devote ourselves to prayer. Prayer is not simply reciting words; prayer is pouring out our hearts before Him. Prayer entails communicating your joys, fears, dreams, and deepest sorrows to the One who loves and cares for you. We can share our deepest desires, fears, and joys in prayer, knowing that our loving Father hears and cares for us.

 

3. Prayer is a Way of Life of Perseverance:

Devoting yourself to prayer is not only for special occasions or times of crisis. It is a way of life. Prayer entails seeking God's presence on a daily basis, seeking God's guidance in all aspects of life, and continually rejoicing in God's presence. Prayer, as Colossians 4:2 encourages, necessitates perseverance. Making prayer a part of your daily life is what it means to devote yourself to prayer. Prayer is not a one-time occurrence or a last resort when all else fails. Prayer is not just for Sundays or emergencies; it is for everything in between. Make prayer a habit to seek God's presence throughout the day, to acknowledge God's guidance, and to praise God for God's goodness. Prayer persistence demonstrates our faith and reliance on God's power and wisdom.

4. Prayer Brings About Change:

Prayer allows us to witness God's transformative power. We open ourselves to God's transforming power when we devote ourselves to prayer. Prayer allows God to work in our lives, bringing healing, direction or guidance, and restoration. Prayer does not seek to change God's mind; rather, prayer seeks to align our hearts and minds with God's will. We invite God to work in us through prayer, moulding us into God's image and transforming our circumstances according to God's perfect plan. Our stories of answered prayer serve as evidence of God's faithfulness.

5. Prayer is a two-way communication street:

Prayer entails more than just speaking to God; it also entails listening for His voice. As we devote ourselves to prayer, let us make room for God to speak to us through His word and the Holy Spirit. 

6. Prayer's Climactic Point:

This is the most compelling reason to devote ourselves to prayer. We align our hearts, minds, and actions with God's will by devoting ourselves to prayer. Prayer, or communion with God, is how God changes our lives and empowers us to have an impact on the world around us.

As we conclude, let us remember that devoting ourselves to prayer is a privilege and an opportunity to experience God's presence and power in our lives. Today, let us commit to making prayer a priority in our lives, knowing that our Heavenly Father listens, answers, and transforms us according to His perfect will. Let us appreciate the privilege of communicating with our Heavenly Father and approach prayer with reverence and gratitude. May we see prayer as an opportunity to grow closer to God and experience His transformative power in our lives. Let us pray together.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of prayer. Help me, Lord, to devote myself to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Teach me to seek Your presence daily, to pour out my heart before You, and to align myself with Your will. Transform me, O God, and let Your love and grace flow through me to a hurting world. In Christ Jesus' Mighty name, I have prayed, Amen.

You have been Church-Built and healed. Please voluntarily and sincerely give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love in all circumstances. This is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Pray, tithe, and sow healing seeds to Him, who can do immeasurably more than you ask or imagine. Act in faith and obedience, and be doers of the word, not just hearers.

Yours in Christ,

Apostle Jude Noah Wakibi 

Apostle for Church Building and Healing. 

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