Scripture: Colossians 4:2-4
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.
Thought for the Day: After this morning’s Thanksgiving Worship Services, I came across some wonderful words from Maya Angelou. She wrote, “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayers.” Not that God will tune me out, but I think the pillow on which I kneel is often the one of regret, frustration or anxiousness. Those are all good things to take before God in prayer, but doesn’t it make sense to center our prayer lives in gratitude? The thankfulness is not intended to butter up God in advance of our real requests. Instead, thankfulness puts us in a better mindset for prayer. The letter references the imprisonment of Paul, yet even from that difficult setting, the letter speaks of the importance of thanksgiving. It is that attitude that allowed Paul to believe in God’s ability to use him even from behind bars. Gratitude is always a great place to start.
Prayer: I offer you these words of gratitude, Living God, for you have always loved me. May that be the conviction of my heart each day as I come to you in prayer. Amen.
Sunday’s Thanksgiving Sermon
Next Sunday–First Sunday of Advent
