"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4.2, ESV)¹

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¹There are many things we are to be watchful for. For example, we are to be on alert concerning the devil and his ways (1 Peter 5.8), the coming of the Lord (1 Thess. 5.6), and in our preaching and teaching (2 Tim. 4.5 "watchful" NKJV). The apostles warned that this world, anxiety, sin, etc. would be a distraction to our focus on heavenly things. Therefore, it is vital that we keep our hearts pure, our minds filled with Christ and His word, and eyes fixed on the hope of heaven.

Besides the things mentioned above, God wants us to be watchful in prayer coupled with thanksgiving. It is obvious that prayer is an important role in our daily lives as Christians. It is one way to show our trust in God and to keep ourselves anxiety-free and spiritually focused. However, this raises the question: "If our prayer is not coupled with thanksgiving to God for all that He has done, can we really stay focused and alert as we should?"

Paul taught that once man began to suppress the truth, that man did not see fit to honor God and thank Him (Rom. 1.18-23). While this passage speaks about those who have sinned and ultimately rejected God, it shows the progression of those who enjoy God's blessings and yet do not see fit to continually thank Him for them. Remember when Jesus healed ten lepers and only one returned to thank Him (Luke 17.11-19)? Ingratitude is an indicator of an ungodly attitude! Let us make sure that we are the one that returns to praise God and we do so as we are diligent and watchful in prayer!

If you're interested in learning more about being sober-minded, spiritually alert, and thankful in prayer to God, e-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.

“giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5.20, ESV)¹

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¹There are four things Paul wants us to do:

1. Give thanks always. Paul says elsewhere that we are to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5.17). This should be done in the morning, throughout the day, and at night. Oftentimes we go to God in prayer during the bad times. However, prayer should constantly be on our mind!

2. For everything. And when Paul says “everything” he really means it! Whether good or bad, we need to be thankful for a God that blesses us abundantly. While there may be times “when the going gets tough”, we still have things to be thankful for. Paul once spent time in prayer to God while sitting in prison (Acts 16.25). That is a pretty low position to be in and yet Paul praised God!

3. To God the Father. While there are several reasons why we pray to God our Father, one such reason is because He is the giver of all good gifts. James wrote, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father…” (James 1.17). No wonder we are to be thankful!

4. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord is the intercessor by which we approach our Father (Heb. 7.25, etc.). Paul taught, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3.17, ESV).

If you’re interested in learning more about prayer and God’s blessings, e-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.

Psalm 119.97, "Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day."¹

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¹The Psalmist beautifully describes God throughout the book of Psalms. One thing that stands out is the importance that the writer places on his meditation of his Creator. As the book opens, we immediately read, "Blessed is the man... [whose] delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1.2 ESV). Not only did he meditate on God's law which included His precepts, statutes, testimonies, and promises (Psalm 119.15, 23, 99, 148), but he also filled his mind with all that God has done, namely, His wondrous works and mighty deeds (Psalm 77.12; 119.27; 143.5). All this and more was constantly on his mind as he contemplated the overwhelming greatness of God! The Psalmist said, "Let ... the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight..." (Psalm 19.14 ESV). What about us? What are we are meditating on, and is our meditation pleasing to Him (see Phil. 4.8-9)?

If you're interested in learning more about God's word email Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.

Romans 15.30, "I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf..."¹

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¹If there is one thing we can learn about the apostle Paul it is that he was a man of prayer (Rom. 1.8-10; 10.1; 1 Cor. 1.4-9; Eph. 1.15-23; 3.14-21; Col. 1.9; 2 Tim. 1.3, etc.). While he certianly prayed for himself (2 Cor. 12.7-9, etc.), much of his prayers were spent praying for the growth of the saints, for the Kingdom of Christ, and for the spread of the gospel. However, there is one thing in particlur that stands out about Paul: he solicited prayers on his own behalf (Eph. 6.19; Phil. 1.19; 1 Thess. 5.25; 2 Thess. 3.2; Philemon 1.22, etc.). As one reads the many letters that he wrote both Christians and local churches, he pressed upon them to remember him in their prayers, both night and day. Here is an inspired man who is an appointed apostle of Jesus Christ and to whom Jesus commands us to listen who is requesting the prayers of the saints. This shows us that Paul was not above anyone nor was he above asking for help. Further, it demonstrates his trust in prayer, his confidence in the prayers of the saints, and his dependence upon God.

What about us? Are we praying for others? Are we soliciting the prayers of others? If the apostle Paul needed prayer, surely we can all acknowledge that we need it too! If you're interested in learning more about God's word please contact Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.