Journey of Prayer: Day 19
Journey of Prayer
Day 19
Thursday, January 28, 2021
Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you many stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. Colossians 4:12
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 (NIV)
I love that Chris describes devoting ourselves to prayer as having “a running conversation” with God as we go about our day. She says that her ongoing conversations with God may be “quietly in my heart” or out loud. I’m so pleased that she admitted walking and talking with Him out loud because I find my conversations with Him are often out loud even when I’m in a place where they should be “in my heart”. There have been many times that I have been in public and thrown up my hands in praise with a “Thank You , Lord!” or a “Hallelujah”. And yes, I have received looks like I am a crazy person. But a girl has got to get her praise on when the moment hits, right!?!
But in all seriousness, having an ongoing conversation with God is exactly what Paul tells us to do in 1st Thessalonians: “Pray without ceasing.” (5:17 NKJV). I used to struggle with applying this verse to my life. I was so busy trying to keep my head above water, between work and family, that I couldn’t see how God could possibly expect me to “pray without ceasing.” As I explored what this meant, I realized that being devoted to prayers wasn’t about being on your knees in formal prayer 24/7 any more than being devoted to our spouse means that you two are never out of each other’s site. It does, however, mean that your thoughts and your actions keep you intimately connected with Him 24/7.
In our spotlight verse, we are told to be thankful when we pray. In the verse from Thessalonians, Paul adds, “Rejoice always” and “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Our running conversation with God should effortlessly bubble up with His joy! When we spontaneously praise the Lord and thank Him whenever we can, even in the middle of a mall, it’s easy to get into the habit of being continually connected with Him. One suggestion I have that has dramatically affected my prayer life is beginning and ending each day with prayers focused on gratitude and praise. Just taking a few minutes to give Him the glory for all blessings, big and small, changes the conversation with Him throughout the day.
Why is having a “running conversation” with God so vital for us as women of faith? It keeps us aligned with Him and with His will for us each day. Notice that Paul also said to be “watchful.” Being watchful while praying means being sensitive to God’s urgings. When you make it a habit to have running conversations with God, you will be so in tune with the Holy Spirit that when God prompts you to say a word of encouragement or to stop what you are doing and act on His behalf, you are ready and able to do whatever He asks. Doing this you will be in right place at the right moment—in God’s moment.
Finally, here’s a challenge for you. In her devotional Chris shared some ways that she incorporates prayer into her life and I just shared one of mine. Please consider sharing ways that you stay devoted to prayer and praise. One good idea or practice can change a prayer life.
Dear Lord, Thank you that we can instantly and intimately connect with You anytime of the day or night. Teach us how to carry on a running conversation with You all day long while we are busy with our daily tasks, so that when You prompt us, we can act on Your direction. In Jesus’ name and for the Father’s glory, Amen.
For further reading: 1Thessalonians 5:16-18; Psalm 33:1-11; Psalm 16:7-11; Psalm 89:15