Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

If you have ever spent time alone in your life, where your friends or family are not nearby, or they are not able to relationally connect and support you, it can be very difficult. I have experienced this at times in my life: in a new high school with no friends, while at college my last 3 years, and at times when we have moved locations, careers, or have had economic challenges.

What I have found is that when it’s difficult to rely on the people I normally rely on, the Holy Spirit steps in and draws closer to me. Human relationships can be strained at times. Our relationship with God is always strong if we go to him. This encouragement to be devoted to prayer is critical as we live in this world.

Devotion is an interesting and fleeting concept these days. It speaks of intense focus, loyalty, commitment, and a determination that never dies. Here we are called to be devoted to prayer. How can I improve the intense devotion I have to the discipline of prayer? How will that impact how I see the relationships and people around me and God’s plan for my life?

We are also called to be thankful. Thankfulness is such a healing balm in our hearts. I think it is very difficult to be a truly thankful person, and still be full of bitterness, envy and anger. So my conclusion is instead to focus on thankfulness and gratefulness, which will crowd out and eliminate bitterness, envy, and anger.

As we pray, we are thankful, recognizing the almighty and sovereign nature of our God, as we bring to God our concerns and requests. We also ask for forgiveness and repent of the sins that we have committed, and we look for ways to forgive others.

Paul refocuses their mind on their main objective, by asking for prayer and spreading the gospel. The prayer is needed, but this is also a model of how they should ask for prayer, instead of only asking for personal requests or for life to be easy.

I have heard many people say “I just don’t seem to connect to God when I pray.” Why is this? I don’t know all the reasons why. But I do know that a heart that is devoted to prayer, and a prayer discipline process outlined above will always result in connection with God.

Lord, thank you for this message from Paul. Help us to take it to heart and be devoted to prayer. You have brought down whole cities based on praise and prayer; you have bent the minds and actions of leaders to conform to your plans, based on prayer. Our prayers are powerful, and they are heard if prayed from a sincere heart.