Daily Devo

Prayer Matters

By: Mae Archila

Thursday, July 24, 2025

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

Devoting ourselves in a biblical sense implies a deep commitment and dedication to God. We devote ourselves to God in prayer, worship, and obedience. Prayer must be a priority, and it must be our daily practice. But prayer isn't complicated, it's just consistently and intentionally seeking God’s presence. God will honor our commitment to spend with Him by blessing us. If you don't know what to say, ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide your prayers.

Being watchful is another way of saying be alert. Watch for the opportunities God provides and seek His guidance in every area of your life. Being thankful is expressing our gratitude to God for everything He has done, is doing, and will do in the future. Part of being thankful is appreciating God's presence and His faithfulness.

• Jesus prayed to set an example for us. He went to a quiet place so He wouldn't be distracted as He prayed. (Luke 5:16).

• Prayer isn't just a suggestion, it's a command! (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

• Prayer deepens our relationship with God. The Lord is near to all who call on Him... (Psalm 145:18).

• Prayer strengthens our faith and helps us totally depend on God. (Mark 11:24).

• Prayer gives us strength in our weakness. Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. (Isaiah 40:31).

• Prayer increases our ability to hear God and discern His will. (Matthew 6:10).

• Prayer is how we "stand in the gap" for others. (Ephesians 6:18).

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

Prayer is powerful! God’s Spirit empowers our prayers with boldness, faith, and perseverance. The Holy Spirit also intercedes for us. This means He is praying with us, for us, and He is carrying our prayers to the Father. Remember, what we say isn't nearly as important as who we are praying to! If you're tongue seems tied, ask God to guide your prayers. He may prompt you to pray for hurting people, the lost, or for the widows and orphans. It's O.K. to pray for yourself and your family, but make sure you take time to pray for others too!

My first pastor used to say this about prayer: “Prayer is the key that unlocks our day, and it's the lock that protects our night.”