Devote Yourself to Prayer
Tuesday, January 9
Devote Yourself to Prayer
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2
In today’s scripture reading, one truth stands out clearly: God’s will is for us to engage in prayer. Often, we grapple with understanding God’s will or seeking His guidance for our paths. However, there are certain aspects that don’t require intense contemplation. One such question is, “Do I need to pray?” The unequivocal response lies within today’s text: “Devote yourself to prayer.”
Prayer isn’t a trivial matter; it’s not a sideline activity or an inconsequential element of the Christian journey. Instead, it serves as your lifeline—a direct connection to God. Deepening your relationship with God isn’t feasible while on the go, merely squeezing Him into the crevices of your day. Yet, you can maintain continuous fellowship with God amid life’s busyness if you’ve first delved into profound communion with Him during moments of quiet prayer.
Make it your goal: uninterrupted communion with God. Delve into the depths of prayer during those quiet, focused moments, and this profound connection will render God more tangible than ever before. To echo the words of songwriter Fanny Crosby, “What a balm for the weary, oh, how sweet to be there!”
’Tis the blessed hour of prayer, when our hearts lowly bend,
And we gather to Jesus, our Savior and friend;
If we come to Him in faith, His protection to share,
What a balm for the weary, oh, how sweet to be there!
Refrain: Blessed hour of prayer, blessed hour of prayer,
What a balm for the weary, oh, how sweet to be there!
’Tis the blessed hour of prayer, when the Savior draws near,
With a tender compassion His children to hear;
When He tells us we may cast at His feet every care,
What a balm for the weary, oh, how sweet to be there!
’Tis the blessed hour of prayer, when the tempted and tried
To the Savior who loves them their sorrow confide;
With a sympathizing heart He removes every care;
What a balm for the weary, oh, how sweet to be there!
At the blessed hour of prayer, trusting Him, we believe
That the blessing we’re needing we’ll surely receive;
In the fullness of the trust we shall lose every care;
What a balm for the weary, oh, how sweet to be there!