I’ve always felt rather awed when told of people who are ‘devoted in prayer’. I wondered how devotion works, what the phrase actually means. Did such people spend hours in prayer every day? Did the need to pray dominate their lives? Were these the people who rose in the ‘night watches’ to pray? I know there are precious people who do all of this, and I’m deeply appreciative of their devotion, which is a ministry in itself. However, I wondered if it were possible for us all to be ‘devoted’ to prayer.
Paul wrote to the entire church, “Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving” [Colossians 4:2]. Would you consider yourself to be devoted to prayer? Asking myself that question I began to examine the actual word. I found the dictionaries were fairly unanimous in describing ‘devotion’ as love and loyalty. I began to understand Paul wasn’t talking about a style of prayer which consumed a life or took many hours of every day, but about a love and loyalty to prayer starting in the heart. For example, I have precious loved ones to whom I’m devoted, but it doesn’t mean I spend every moment in their company. It does mean they’re a constant and precious part of my life, with a claim on my affections and my time.
I have some friends who have prayer ministries, some who are prayer warriors, and others who, I now understand, are equally devoted to prayer. One warm-hearted, generous friend loves to share about Yahshua, talking to all the people she meets and [almost always] assuring them she’ll pray for them. I used to wonder how she could possibly remember them all, till I learned she prayed for them the same day, in her private place, and afterwards, only as the Holy Spirit prompted her. She spreads love and hope, and has seen miraculous answers to prayer. Knowing her has given me a wider understanding, as I realise I, too, can offer spontaneous prayer. She is ‘devoted to prayer’, and there are more of us than we think. Did you find yourself here today? I hope so. Be encouraged.
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The Test Of LoveWe look at our lives through a spiritual lens now, as we see how our actions as husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, friends and coaches, workers and employers relate to [Yahweh's] will.
Timothy Peck
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