Col 4:2 (NIV) Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
NOTE: Having just concluded three key relationship pairs (husband/wife, father/children, and employer/employee), Paul adds a command, without the attendant "and" which follows this verse -- suggesting that this command is related to the previous discussion on key relationships. The command is to "devote yourselves to prayer." Devote implies a commitment that is beyond ordinary practice. It is not something to do, it is one thing you always do. Alas, it is not always that way in my life, and more often the one thing I don't get to. Paul also characterizes prayer as watchful and thankful. I understand the need for thankfulness in prayer, and it has transformed my prayer life and myself as well. Watchfulness suggests more of a contemplative aspect to prayer, and possibly more akin to a discussion with God about the issues of the day or of my life. I do that as well, but not quite as often. It reminds me of a statement I heard recently of an old saint who said "I must discuss this with my Lord first." I may have quoted it wrong, but I like the thought. That is how prayer should be, a discussion with our Lord about all aspects of our life.
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