Colossians 4:2 - Making An Appointment With God (Bible Journal)

‭"[2] Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart (Colossians 4:2 NLT‬)."

I have become really good at keeping up with two short devotionals each morning (reading them in their respective apps, then listening to them in podcast format), but getting into a prayer routine has been something that I have continued to struggle with. I heard Brant Hansen recently question on his podcast how we would react if we no longer had access to speaking to God through prayer, and he remarked that having the access to be able to talk to God anytime through prayer is something that we should not pass up. This is definitely an area I want to grow in, and Paul's call to approach prayer with "an alert mind and a thankful heart" is definitely good advice I can appreciate and get behind. Finding some undistracted alone time for prayer would certainly help with raising focus, and approaching this time with an emphasis on gratitude seems like it would help me to not only speak to Him with an appreciative tone, but would also help me in my own reflections on all the blessings and wonderful things He has put in my life.

Thank You Lord for continuing to be there for me and for loving me, even with my struggles in connecting with You more often in prayer. You have reminded me of the benefits of taking You up on dedicating time to bond with You over prayer, and I am feeling inspired to work on this once again. Please help me to improve in consistent prayer, and please help me to do this not to attempt to gain favor (You already did that with the cross), but please help me to do this in order to grow closer to You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.