Time is passing so quickly! I don’t want our time together to end. Next week will be our last opportunity to gather in this space. Melissa will be with you to close out our study. Thank you for taking this journey with us and sharing your heart every step of the way. You’ve blessed me beyond measure.

Today we’ll dig deeper into prayer.

Paul gives direction on how to pray in our weekly memory verse, Colossians 4:2 (NIV):

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful …”

In the Greek, this word “devote” translates “to persevere, persist in, be constantly diligent.”

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV), Paul says, “Pray continually.” In the Greek, this word speaks of something constantly recurring, without interruption. God desires for our hearts to be in a posture of prayer … a state of readiness.

Paul continues his instruction in Colossians 4:2, calling us to “be watchful.” Watchfulness implies intentionality. Purposeful action on our part.

The very best way to be watchful is to look for God at work in our prayers. Open God’s Word with great expectancy to receive from Him. Look for a change in circumstances, praying “Give me eyes to see, Lord.” Be aware of conversations, praying “Give me ears to hear, Lord.” Listen for the Holy Spirit’s whispers, praying “Give me a tender spirit, Lord.”

Here are two specific ways to be intentional and watchful:

• When praying for a friend or family member, think of something that reminds you of that person. Invite God to open your eyes and ears to that trigger to remind you to pray.
• Or, ask God for a watch word. A verse, a Scripture, a name of God that speaks to your prayers for that person. Every time you see or hear that word, it’ll remind you to pray.

Imagine how many times a day we’d pray if we assigned prayer triggers and watch words for the people in our lives!

A powerful and effective prayer life doesn’t require praying 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s an attitude of the heart. It’s simply staying aware of God’s presence and inviting Him in.

Let’s pray together:

Father, I don’t want my prayer time to be routine and religious. I want it to be active and filled with Your presence and power. Open my eyes, ears and heart to see You at work as I pray. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reflect and Respond:

Prayerfully choose someone for whom to pray. Choose a prayer trigger or watch word that will remind you to pray.

My example: I have a dear friend, Lisa Allen, who loves leopard print, so whenever I see that print, I’m reminded to pray for her.

Share your prayer trigger/watch word and how you see God work as you devote yourself to prayer.

Don’t forget, all comments will be entered into this week’s giveaway.

For Your Weekend:
Here's the next Week at a Glance to help you plan ahead!

Holding you close in my heart,
Wendy

*Prayer triggers and watch words taken from my friend Marilynn Chadwick’s book Sometimes He Whispers, Sometimes He Roars.