April 1, 2004



Devote yourselves to Prayer

“Devote yourselves to prayer,
keeping alert in it …“ (Col.4:2)

“Devote”: focusing strength in a certain direction; to be steadfast; to endure; to be courageously persistent; to hold fast and not let go.

As believers, we are challenged to be persistent in prayer. We are told to:
· “pray at all times” (Eph. 6:18; cf. Luke 18:1),
· “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17),
· and to be devoted to prayer (Rom. 12:12; Col. 4:2).

Praying at all times? This does not mean that we should constantly be vocalizing prayers to God. Rather, it refers to a God consciousness. It is a “God-wardness” that causes us to listen for His voice and helps us to relate every experience in life to Him.

Keeping alert in it: to stay awake, to rise up, stand, watch

It is easy for us to remember the scene in Garden of Gethsamane. Jesus “came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, ‘So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? Keep watching and praying… (Matt. 26:40-41).

We are quick to judge the disciples for falling asleep and yet we give up way too soon! We walk through life sleepy—not paying attention to what God is trying to show us or say to us. And, sometimes we hear His voice, respond in prayer…one time, one prayer. Could it be that He is leading us to continue in prayer until we see His answer?

Has He been speaking to you about your neighbor, your work associate, your family or your friends? Have you responded to Him? Have you prayed for them by name? Have you invited them to the Easter Weekend Services?

Let’s don’t stop now. We must continue in prayer and stay alert!

Father,
Again, I turn my heart toward You. I continue in prayer…I don’t want to stop short and miss what You are saying to me. I want to be alert to Your voice. I continue in prayer….
In Jesus’ Name, Amen