Thank FULL

"Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving."

(Colossians 4:12)

Few would argue that prayer is one of the key components of any religion - especially Christianity. At its basic, prayer is simply "conversation with God." It's communicating with the Divine. There are no rules... no "musts," "shoulds," or even "you betters." Just as a parent loves connecting with their child, so too does God love connecting with us.

And yet... I dare say that the majority of our prayers constitute the equivalent of a "divine Honey-do list." We know what we want (or need!) God to do - in us, our families, our communities/nation/world. And there's nothing wrong with that type of prayer. God welcomes any kind of communication and connection.

The writer of Colossians (a book in the New Testament) knows how crucial prayer is to faith. That's why s/he says early in chapter 4: "DEVOTE YOURSELVES TO PRAYER..." It has to be more than an occasional occurrence for us as believers. We must make it a priority.

And yet... the writer tacks on one more key admonition: "...KEEPING ALERT IN IT WITH THANKSGIVING." Pray however your heart is moved, yet. But be intentional about being thankful in our prayers.

Every day should be an opportunity for us to find things to be thankful for. Keep a gratitude journal. Find ways to express your appreciation for all that God has done in your life. It will not only change your prayer life... but it will refresh your Spirit along the way!