24 Aug September 20 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.”

In Matthew 24:43 Jesus said “If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.” St. Paul, in today’s devotional verse, uses the very same word as Jesus used in Matthew 24 in regard to your prayer life.   Prayer, is spiritual watchfulness.  Connecting with God through your prayers keeps you watchful, alert, observant regarding what is happening in your life with the goal of aligning what you do with His will as Jesus taught you in the Lord’s prayer with the words “Thy will be done.”

Peter also encourages you to be watchful.  He wrote in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert (vigilant, watchful) and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Again, through your daily prayers you discuss with God what His will is and especially, in this case, request Him to help you to recognize when the Devil is about to attack you.  You are engaged in spiritual warfare everyday of your life as the Devil, the world, and your sinful flesh attempt to “steal you away from your faith and trust in God.”

Jesus told the parable of the “wise virgins” who were watchful, anticipating the coming of the bridegroom.  They filled their lamps with oil and had extra in reserve so their oil would not run out.  Your prayer life is a part of your spiritual watchfulness, vigilance, alertness through which you ask God to lead and guide you through your daily life in accord with His will and for your good.

Watchfulness and prayer are like a hand and glove.  They go together.  They are companions to your daily Christian life.  As you contemplate for what you will pray you are in essence involved in watchfulness because you are examining carefully what is happening or you anticipate what might happen during the day.  Jesus said to His disciples, “Watch and pray lest you enter into temptation.” (Mark 26:41)

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, lead me through my prayer life to be vigilant and watchful in my daily spiritual walk.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Come, my soul, with ev’ry care, Jesus loves to answer prayer

He Himself has bid thee pray, Therefore will not turn away.

Thou art coming to a King, Large petitions with thee bring;

For His grace and pow’r are such None can ever ask too much.

With my burden I begin; Lord, remove this load of sin;

Let Thy blood, for sinners spilt, Set my conscience free from guilt.

Lord, Thy rest to me impart, Take possession of my heart;

There Thy blood-bought right maintain And without a rival reign.

While I am a pilgrim here, Let Thy love my spirit cheer;

As my guide, my guard, my friend, Lead me in my journey’s end.

Show me what is mine to do; Ev’ry hour my strength renew.

Let me live a life of faith; Let me die Thy people’s death.

(LSB 779)