READING: Numbers 19-21, Colossians 4
“Devote yourselves to prayer,” Paul told his readers in Colossians 4:2. The word translated “devote” suggests persistence and passion – as if Paul were saying, “Pray. Then keep on praying. And pray some more.” He knew he was in a battle, and he sought prayers from people who would throw themselves fully into the task. As one writer concluded, “Prayer in the believer’s life is not just an option for occasional emergencies. If believers are to withstand the constant pressures of a fallen and unfriendly world, an attitude of persistence and perseverance in prayer is needed.”*
With perseverance. With persistence. With passion. With determination. Is that the way I pray? Is it the way you pray? Or, is living up to this description one of your goals in prayer? If the latter is the case, ask God to give you a greater longing to talk with Him. Regularly ask Him to grant you a desire to know Him fully. When we long for God and grieve for the fallen world around us, we will pray more.
Today, devote yourself to this intercessory responsibility on behalf of others around the world.
PRAYER: “Lord, keep teaching me to pray.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Numbers 22-25, Luke 1
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Anders, M. (1999). Galatians-Colossians (Vol. 8, p. 344). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.