Mindset of Prayer

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 NIV

As believers, we acknowledge the importance of prayer. It is how we communicate with God, a time in which we express our thoughts, feelings, and desires, seek guidance, and connect spiritually. Our prayer can take different forms, such as supplication (requesting something), thanksgiving, confession, or meditation, and we may pray for various reasons, including comfort, healing, wisdom, and strength.

In the Sermon on the Mount discourse (Matthew 6:5-15), Jesus gave listeners examples of how to pray and the sample of the Lord's Prayer. Looking at Jesus' instructions and those of Paul in today's verse, we come to prayer with the mindset in which this communication should take place.

Jesus emphasizes that prayer should be secret. When we pray, we should go into our room, shut the door, and pray to our Father secretly. It's about seeking the privacy of prayer more than the publicity of prayer. This communication, even in corporate prayer, is between the individual and God.

Jesus warns against hypocrisy. Our prayers should not be about impressing people but expressing our hearts to God. Sincerity matters more than eloquence. We pray to express, not impress!

Jesus encourages simplicity in prayer. Avoid empty phrases and babbling gibberish. Instead, pray with a sensible purpose. The O God, Thee, Thou, and flowery language are not required; God understands our hearts' contents even when we can't find the words.

Jesus reminds us that prayer does not need to be lengthy. God doesn't hear us because we pray long; our prayer life is not measured by its length. Sometimes at the moment–think of all the near accidents–we sometimes only have time for a cry of "Jesus, Help me!" This prayer carries as much weight as a lengthier one.

Paul writes that we are to devote ourselves to prayer as Christians. Prayer is not just about scheduled or occasional prayers; it should be constant and unending. Prayer is a privilege, and we should treat it as one of the most essential aspects of our daily lives.

We should also be watchful in prayer, standing guard, and remaining alert. Our prayers should have a purpose and intention. Additionally, we must approach prayer with an attitude of thanksgiving, acknowledging that God is the source of every good gift.

Both passages emphasize sincerity, simplicity, and devotion in prayer. Prayer is not about impressing others or following a rigid schedule; it's about genuine communication with our heavenly Father.

Heavenly Father,

We come before You in prayer, seeking You with an open, humble, and attuned heart to Your presence. Teach us to pray with sincerity, simplicity, and devotion.

Grant that we may have:

A listening heart that hears Your whispers in the stillness.

A grateful spirit that recognizes Your blessings even in challenges.

A watchful mind that remains alert to Your guidance.

A thankful soul that acknowledges Your goodness.

Help us to:

Speak honestly, pouring out my joys, fears, and hopes.

Trust Your sovereignty, knowing that You hear every word.

Seek Your will, aligning my desires with Yours.

Rest in Your love, finding solace in Your presence.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,