Devotion to Prayer: A Pathway to God's Work

Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into Colossians 4:2-6, focusing on the importance of prayer in our lives. We began by celebrating Malia's accomplishment of memorizing this passage and encouraged everyone to do the same. The passage emphasizes devoting ourselves to prayer, being watchful, and thankful. We explored how these instructions from Paul help us fulfill the two greatest commandments: loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbors as ourselves.

We discussed the meaning of devotion and how it manifests in our lives. Whether it's our job, family, or a cause, devotion requires significant time and resources. Paul urges us to include prayer in our list of devotions because it is the pathway for God to work significantly in our lives and the lives of those we love. We acknowledged that many of us struggle with prayer, often due to busyness or doubts about its effectiveness. However, we were reminded that prayer is a conversation with God, who invites us to share our hearts and listen for His voice.

We also touched on the importance of being watchful and thankful in our prayers. Being watchful means being alert to the Holy Spirit's prompts, whether it's a name that comes to mind or a conviction to confess a sin. Being thankful involves anticipating what Jesus will do and expressing gratitude for His presence and power in our lives.

Finally, we were encouraged to pray for opportunities to bless others and to proclaim the message of Christ clearly. We were given practical steps, such as praying for specific people in our lives and being open to divine appointments. The sermon concluded with a prayer asking God to help us be devoted to prayer, alert to His prompts, and thankful for His blessings.

### Key Takeaways

1. Devotion to Prayer: Devotion means dedicating significant time and resources to something important. Paul urges us to be devoted to prayer because it is the pathway for God to work significantly in our lives and the lives of those we love. This devotion requires intentionality and prioritization, even amidst our busy lives. [42:43]

2. Prayer as a Conversation: Prayer is not just a ritual but a conversation with God. It involves sharing our hearts and listening for His voice. Many struggle with prayer because they don't know how to pray or feel too busy. However, starting with simple, honest conversations with God can transform our prayer lives. [46:41]

3. Being Watchful and Alert: Being watchful in prayer means being alert to the Holy Spirit's prompts. This could be a name that comes to mind or a conviction to confess a sin. Being spiritually alert helps us respond to God's guidance and align our actions with His will. [53:12]

4. Thankfulness in Prayer: Practicing thankfulness in prayer involves anticipating what Jesus will do and expressing gratitude for His presence and power. This attitude shifts our focus from our problems to God's faithfulness and goodness, fostering a deeper trust in Him. [59:34]

5. Praying for Opportunities: We are encouraged to pray for opportunities to bless others and proclaim the message of Christ clearly. This involves being open to divine appointments and seeing people as God sees them. By doing so, we participate in God's work and become instruments of His love and grace. [01:00:42]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[36:55] - Celebrating Malia's Memorization
[37:27] - Reading Colossians 4:2-6
[38:04] - Introduction to the Series
[38:38] - The Greatest Commandments
[39:16] - Love God and Love People
[40:26] - Peter's Restoration
[42:13] - Everything Begins with Prayer
[42:43] - Devotion to Prayer
[44:41] - Early Church's Devotion
[45:20] - Struggles with Prayer
[46:41] - Prayer as a Conversation
[48:14] - Practical Tips for Prayer
[53:12] - Being Watchful and Alert
[59:34] - Thankfulness in Prayer
[01:00:42] - Praying for Opportunities
[01:03:57] - Proclaiming the Message Clearly
[01:05:42] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Colossians 4:2-6
- Matthew 22:37-39
- Acts 2:42

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three key instructions Paul gives in Colossians 4:2-6 regarding prayer? ([37:27])
2. How does Jesus summarize the greatest commandments in Matthew 22:37-39? ([39:16])
3. According to Acts 2:42, what were the early believers devoted to? ([44:41])
4. What practical steps were suggested in the sermon to help improve our prayer lives? ([48:14])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize devotion to prayer in Colossians 4:2-6, and how does this relate to the greatest commandments mentioned by Jesus? ([42:13])
2. How can being watchful and thankful in prayer change our perspective and actions? ([53:12])
3. What does it mean to pray for opportunities to bless others and proclaim the message of Christ clearly? ([01:00:42])
4. How does the example of the early church's devotion to prayer in Acts 2:42 serve as a model for us today? ([44:41])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current prayer life. What steps can you take to become more devoted to prayer, as Paul urges in Colossians 4:2-6? ([42:43])
2. Think of a time when you felt prompted by the Holy Spirit. How did you respond, and what can you do to be more alert to these prompts in the future? ([53:12])
3. How can you incorporate thankfulness into your daily prayers, especially when facing challenges? ([59:34])
4. Identify one person in your life who you can pray for this week. What specific prayer can you offer for them, and how can you be open to a divine appointment with them? ([01:00:42])
5. Consider the practical tips for prayer mentioned in the sermon, such as praying out loud or writing down prayers. Which of these can you implement in your routine to enhance your prayer life? ([48:14])
6. How can you make time for prayer amidst a busy schedule? What specific changes can you make to prioritize prayer in your daily life? ([49:14])
7. Reflect on a recent situation where you doubted the effectiveness of prayer. How can you address these doubts and trust in God's faithfulness and timing? ([49:50])

Devotional

Day 1: Devotion to Prayer
Devotion to prayer means dedicating significant time and resources to something important. Paul urges us to be devoted to prayer because it is the pathway for God to work significantly in our lives and the lives of those we love. This devotion requires intentionality and prioritization, even amidst our busy lives. Many of us struggle with prayer due to busyness or doubts about its effectiveness. However, starting with simple, honest conversations with God can transform our prayer lives.

Paul's call to devotion in prayer is a reminder that our relationship with God is foundational to everything else in our lives. Just as we devote time to our jobs, families, and causes, we must also prioritize our time with God. This means setting aside specific times for prayer, being consistent, and making it a non-negotiable part of our daily routine. When we devote ourselves to prayer, we open the door for God to work in ways we cannot imagine. [42:43]

Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."

Reflection: What specific time each day can you set aside to devote to prayer, making it a non-negotiable part of your routine?

Day 2: Prayer as a Conversation
Prayer is not just a ritual but a conversation with God. It involves sharing our hearts and listening for His voice. Many struggle with prayer because they don't know how to pray or feel too busy. However, starting with simple, honest conversations with God can transform our prayer lives.

When we approach prayer as a conversation, we move beyond reciting words to engaging in a meaningful dialogue with our Creator. This means being honest about our feelings, fears, and hopes, and also taking the time to listen for God's response. It’s about building a relationship where we feel comfortable sharing everything with God and being open to His guidance and comfort. [46:41]

Psalm 62:8 (ESV): "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us."

Reflection: What is one thing you have been hesitant to talk to God about? Can you take a moment today to pour out your heart to Him about this matter?

Day 3: Being Watchful and Alert
Being watchful in prayer means being alert to the Holy Spirit's prompts. This could be a name that comes to mind or a conviction to confess a sin. Being spiritually alert helps us respond to God's guidance and align our actions with His will.

Spiritual alertness requires us to be attentive to the subtle ways God communicates with us. This might be through a sudden thought, a feeling of conviction, or a sense of peace about a decision. By being watchful, we can discern these prompts and act accordingly, ensuring that our lives are in harmony with God's plans. This attentiveness also helps us to intercede for others effectively, as we become more aware of their needs and how we can support them in prayer. [53:12]

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Reflection: Can you recall a recent moment when you felt a nudge or prompt from the Holy Spirit? How did you respond, and how can you be more attentive to such prompts in the future?

Day 4: Thankfulness in Prayer
Practicing thankfulness in prayer involves anticipating what Jesus will do and expressing gratitude for His presence and power. This attitude shifts our focus from our problems to God's faithfulness and goodness, fostering a deeper trust in Him.

Thankfulness in prayer is not just about saying "thank you" but about cultivating an attitude of gratitude that permeates our entire prayer life. When we focus on what God has done and will do, we are reminded of His constant presence and power in our lives. This perspective helps us to trust Him more deeply, even when we face challenges. By expressing our gratitude, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and goodness, which strengthens our faith and brings us peace. [59:34]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Reflection: What are three specific things you can thank God for today, and how can you incorporate this practice of thankfulness into your daily prayers?

Day 5: Praying for Opportunities
We are encouraged to pray for opportunities to bless others and proclaim the message of Christ clearly. This involves being open to divine appointments and seeing people as God sees them. By doing so, we participate in God's work and become instruments of His love and grace.

Praying for opportunities means asking God to open our eyes to the needs around us and to give us the courage and wisdom to act. It’s about being intentional in our interactions, looking for ways to share God's love and truth with others. This might be through a kind word, a helping hand, or a clear presentation of the gospel. By praying for these opportunities, we align ourselves with God's mission and become active participants in His redemptive work in the world. [01:00:42]

Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."

Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can pray for today, asking God to give you an opportunity to bless them or share His love with them? How can you be intentional in seeking out these opportunities?

Quotes

1. "Love the Lord your God with all that you are. Like, keep him at the center of your life. Number one priority relationship. That he's the one who loves you more than anybody else has or will ever love you. He died for you, he rose again. He comes to live within all of us who put our trust in him. So follow him, trust him. The way that you would say, I love another person, I give them attention, I listen to them, I love them, I, that you say, I'm gonna love him most of all." [40:58] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Everything begins with prayer. The first word here in this section, verse two, would you say it with me? Let's say that together. Ready? That verse. Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. I'm gonna have you keep on saying this so we just, by the time you leave here, you're like, I had that first line memorized anyhow. Devote, when you think of being devoted to something, what comes to mind? If you go, I'm devoted to this. What does that look like?" [42:13] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If people were to take an inventory of your life, what would they say that you are devoted to? You might not even use the word. But what would they say that, like, that takes up, that's an important thing for you. For some it might be their local sports team. They're like, I mean, you know, this is, I'm devoted to that. They're gonna watch, they're gonna follow. Some people, they're devoted to their vocation. They're like, God, look. God has called me to this kind of job. I'm devoted to what I do." [43:23] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If you think back even to the early church, Acts chapter two, it describes what those first believers were like, and here's what it says. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, that is, getting together, to the breaking of bread, and to what? To prayer. So they devoted themselves to four things, and one of those was prayer. Now, if we step back, if we're honest, a lot of us, that doesn't come naturally, right? I'm an activist at heart. I like to stay busy." [44:41] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If I do my praying, though, just in my head, I mean, I can start going like, you know, I should probably talk to this person today. What am I gonna say in that meeting? Are the guardians gonna stay in first place the rest of the season? Is it, all these, is it, can I cut the grass tomorrow? I gotta cut it today. I wonder what the weather's gonna be like, and all these things start going through my mind. Some of them might be from God. He might be saying, like, Jonathan, like, write this down." [47:13] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "What if we don't pray? Like, what might we be missing out on? I wonder what things Jesus wants to do in us, and for us, and through us, that may not happen because we never ask. Jesus says, ask, ask. Ask your Father. There's so much that he wants to do in your life, so pray. Be devoted to prayer, Paul says. I wonder if you'd join me in just making that a prayer for us this week. Lord, would you help me to be devoted to you in prayer?" [51:50] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "To be alert means this, that you listen for prompts from the Holy Spirit. Be alert for that. He might bring a name to mind. My wife, Mary, she's super, I would say, alert to the prompts of the Holy Spirit. I had this happen. You know, fairly frequently. I would say from Mary, she's like a step up. And I'll just share one example. She'll often, in her time of prayer, and she'll be writing down names. She journals, she uses a paper one." [54:24] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "If you're a boss, a manager, and you don't treat the people you oversee correctly, it's going to hinder your prayers. If you work with youth or kids, somebody else and you're like, man, I am not a kind person. I don't treat people the way I should. He's saying your prayers will be hindered. And so you say, Lord, keep me alert. Help me to be quick to confess. I want to be right with you. So he says, devote yourself to prayer, being watchful, being alert, and what? Thankful. Thankful. That's the second word here." [58:56] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "What if we all took this posture? If we just prayed each morning, Lord, tomorrow morning you wake up, you say, Lord, this day belongs to you. You made this day. You made me. And I just invite you to lead me today. Let me be a blessing to the people you bring along my path. Help me to see them the way that you see them and to love them the way that you love them. You think you'll hear that prayer? Oh, my goodness. You think we might see him work in unexpected ways?" [01:00:42] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "If you want your life to count, if you wanna be a part of the story that God is writing today, if you wanna have an adventure of life with Him, it all begins with what? With prayer, right? God has a work around us and we have this opportunity, this privilege to participate in what He's doing. It might be with people we know that are in your eight boxes. It might be with a random stranger you've never met." [01:05:42] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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