Dare 2 Share -
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2)
Let’s be honest, when someone mentions the subject of prayer, we don't always respond with excitement, becuase so many times people have made the topic boring. And let’s be really honest ... sometimes it actually is boring. So we have a problem: prayer is the one of the keys to the Christian life, but we oftentimes avoid it like the plague.
Solution? What many people don’t realize is that prayer was never meant to be some formal, religious exercise that we coldly recite. Our conversations with God were intended to be a living, moving, breathing dynamic hot line to heaven. I suggest that we start praying with an attitude- and based on the verse mentioned above, I have three suggestions:
1- Pray expectantly, because we are talking to the Father.
Think about that. We are talking to the Eternal God of the universe when we pray. Can you imagine that? Meeting the world’s most famous people fades in comparison to the privilege that you and I have every single day... the privilege of addressing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Imagine how you would react if the President of the United States called you on the phone. Would you put him on hold? I doubt it. He would have your full attention and complete awareness. That’s how we are to pray to God. When you recognize His greatness, you will give Him your full attention. We should have an expectant attitude when we pray. He is listening, and He wants to speak with you more than you do to Him.
2. Pray watchfully, because spiritual warfare is real.
As you roam the hallways of your school, remember you are in a spiritual battle with the devil for the souls of your friends. Always be ready to shoot out a quick prayer to God on their behalf. Whether you need wisdom to answer a skeptic’s question, or an encouraging word to a Christian friend who is discouraged, be ready in your prayer life. Keep your spiritual eyes open.
3. Pray thankfully, because we have been given so much!
Tell God how much you appreciate Him. Thank Him continuously for all that He has done for you. Whether it is His constant provision or eternal salvation, there is much for which to be thankful.
When you pray with an attitude, prayer becomes a thrill-ride. Pouring out your heart to the God of the Universe becomes the high point of your day and the treasure of your life. Speak to the High King of Heaven when you first wake up, and when you lie down to sleep.
He’s waiting. He longs for you to call. He waits patiently for you to communicate with Him. His heart’s desire is to have you talk to Him with an attitude of expectancy, watchfulness and thankfulness. So go for it- and learn to pray with an attitude!
Questions:
1) What are three ways you can improve your prayer life?
2) When you pray, do you feel like God’s listening? Why or why not?
3) What are you specifically asking God for right now?
