Colossians 4:2-3

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message. - Colossians 4:2-3

Dear Jesus,

You call me to be devoted to prayer with watchfulness and thankfulness. I confess that I am not as devoted to prayer as you want. But I'm talking to you now. I want to be watchful in prayer. I think you mean that you want me to bathe all my moments with prayer asking for your help, direction, rescue and love. That sounds a lot better than mindless listening to the radio or mulling over my life with worry and stress. I like just praying it through. I think to be thankful in prayer means you want me to come to you not with a scolding overtone because I am annoyed about something. Instead, you want me to be thankful that you mercifully listen to each of my requests with a father's love. I'm thankful that you have opened the door for prayer to me. I can ask anything and you will do it if it's best for others and me. If not, you will lead me to where you want me to be. Now Jesus, spread your good news everywhere so more people learn they can pray to you and really be heard.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Thankful prayer flows from a trusting heart.