24 Aug September 21 Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHRISTIANS –  DEVOTE YOURSELF TO PRAYER

Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

The final emphasis of Colossians 4:2 regarding your prayer life is “thankfulness.”  If you keep a prayer log, review it.  In how many of your prayers do you ask God for something?  How many of your prayers can be categorized as prayers of thanksgiving?  You might also pay close attention to the prayers prayed during the weekend services at your congregation asking the same question.

In the Psalms the word thanks is used 37 times.  It is found 72 times in the entire Old Testament.  St. Paul encouraged the giving of thanks at least 46 times in his writings.  A basic summary for the giving of thanks is probably the well-known words of Psalm 107:1, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good and His mercy endures forever.”

Here are a few specifics mentioned in the Bible for which we should give thanks:  God’s love and mercy, His deeds and wonders, His kindness; the victory He gives you through Christ Jesus.  Then there are the gifts God provides to sustain you and your life such as life itself, seasons, rain, sun, protection, and the like.  How many times have you thanked Him for the Gospel, the Holy Scriptures, sacraments, and forgiveness of sins.

A suggestion:  Take a sheet of paper and start writing down all of the specific things God provides you for which you are thankful.  After you make your initial list, pray a prayer of thanksgiving for all that is on your list.  Then, after a day or two, review the list to see if there is yet more that needs to be added to your list.

As the Psalmist writes, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good and His mercy endures forever.”

Prayer:  Thank You heavenly Father for all your blessings you provide for my soul and body.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heav’nly lost;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Amen.

(LSB 805)