DAY 24 - GIVE YOURSELF TO PRAYER

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DAY 24 – Give Yourself to Prayer by Pastor Dick

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving. — Colossians 4:2 (NASB)

Prayer Frames This Letter

Paul’s letter to the Colossians is like a prayer quilt, stitched with prayers from start to finish. Right at the beginning, Paul prays for the church’s growth and strength. Now, at the end, he leaves us with this powerful three-part guide for prayer:

• Devote yourselves to prayer.

• Be watchful, or alert.

• Be thankful.
  

These are the “cannons” we use to open heaven’s gates!

What Does “Devote” Mean?

To devote yourself to something means to give yourself fully, without stopping or relaxing. David said it simply: “I give myself to prayer” (Psalm 109:4).

If God’s Word is our daily bread, then prayer is the oxygen we breathe.

What Does “Keep Alert” Mean?

Being watchful in prayer is like a traffic cop directing busy streets—if they look away, chaos follows.

Prayer keeps our eyes on God and guards us from drifting away or giving up. It’s a spiritual alertness that Jesus Himself taught about.

What Does “Be Thankful” Mean?

Gratitude in prayer isn’t just for blessings already received. It’s also a trust for what God will do.

Thanksgiving turns prayer into worship, showing our faith in God’s good plans and perfect ways.

The Prayer Life of Jesus

Jesus, though perfect, spent much time in prayer. He stayed connected to the Father and focused on His mission through prayer.

Charles Spurgeon said it beautifully: “Fervent prayer, like a cannon planted at the gates of heaven, makes them fly open.”

Reflection Questions

• How does Paul’s three-part prayer model show up in your daily prayer life?

• What does “keeping alert” look like for you when you pray?

• Keep Paul’s prayers from Colossians 1:9–12 and 4:2 close to your heart today. Pray especially for brothers and sisters in Christ, pastors, and their families.
  

Closing Prayer

Lord, teach me to devote myself to prayer without ceasing. Help me stay alert and thankful, trusting Your perfect purposes and relying on the life of Christ within me. May my prayer life connect me faithfully to You and serve as a powerful weapon against darkness. Amen.

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New Hope Church of God

1250 Waggoners Gap Rd

Carlisle, Pa

(717) 241-5544