May 7, 2014
To be devoted to something or someone is to be all in. We might call it extreme commitment, or to use the popular catchword for it today: “passion”. All other interests and pursuits are secondary; this one obsession is something we never veer far from, or neglect to think about often.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving" (Colossians 4:2)
Honestly, it is difficult to be devoted to prayer. Time commitment to its practice is no guarantee of singular focus. Fact is, a great arena of spiritual battle is on our knees, in the prayer closet. We WANT to pray and commune with our Father, but often times every imaginable distracting thought comes into our minds at the very time we want to be wholeheartedly devoted to prayer. It’s a real battle.
Paul prescribes something very practical and helpful to help us in devotion to prayer: “keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving”. The so-called “attitude of gratitude” in prayer is key in keeping alert in it. Recounting specific instances of reasons for personal thankfulness goes far in keep awake and focused on the priority of prayer.
“praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.” (Colossians 4:3-4)
Opportunity, boldness, and clarity were priorities for Paul. The very cause that landed Paul in prison was his continued focus. The “mystery of Christ” - His servant lifestyle, atoning sacrifice, and declaration and demonstration of the kingdom of God - were Paul’s prison priorities. Seeking opportunities, taking advantage of them, and being crystal-clear in communication, were what mattered most.
Paul’s connection between prayer and proclamation in this passage are not accidental. A devotion to prayer, characterized by alertness and thankfulness, are foundational to effective communication of the Good News. Personal persuasion will never be effective in spiritual rebirth. For one to be “pierced to the heart” (Acts 2.37) requires the deep conviction of Holy Spirit, energized through prayer. In other words, no one can will or argue anyone into conversion; it is a supernatural act, requiring supernatural power, brought about by supernatural prayer.
May grateful prayer be our passion, and may that passion lead us to life-changing gospel opportunities.
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving" (Colossians 4:2)
Honestly, it is difficult to be devoted to prayer. Time commitment to its practice is no guarantee of singular focus. Fact is, a great arena of spiritual battle is on our knees, in the prayer closet. We WANT to pray and commune with our Father, but often times every imaginable distracting thought comes into our minds at the very time we want to be wholeheartedly devoted to prayer. It’s a real battle.
Paul prescribes something very practical and helpful to help us in devotion to prayer: “keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving”. The so-called “attitude of gratitude” in prayer is key in keeping alert in it. Recounting specific instances of reasons for personal thankfulness goes far in keep awake and focused on the priority of prayer.
“praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.” (Colossians 4:3-4)
Opportunity, boldness, and clarity were priorities for Paul. The very cause that landed Paul in prison was his continued focus. The “mystery of Christ” - His servant lifestyle, atoning sacrifice, and declaration and demonstration of the kingdom of God - were Paul’s prison priorities. Seeking opportunities, taking advantage of them, and being crystal-clear in communication, were what mattered most.
Paul’s connection between prayer and proclamation in this passage are not accidental. A devotion to prayer, characterized by alertness and thankfulness, are foundational to effective communication of the Good News. Personal persuasion will never be effective in spiritual rebirth. For one to be “pierced to the heart” (Acts 2.37) requires the deep conviction of Holy Spirit, energized through prayer. In other words, no one can will or argue anyone into conversion; it is a supernatural act, requiring supernatural power, brought about by supernatural prayer.
May grateful prayer be our passion, and may that passion lead us to life-changing gospel opportunities.
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 9:15 AM
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