December 3, 2014 Advent Devotional - Pray

Today's devotional reading from the LEC Family Advent Devotional is Colossians 4:2.  The key words of this scripture are "watchful" and "thankful."  Watchful is defined as being carefully observant or attentive.  Dare we say that this is probably not something that most of us do.  We may think that we're observant.  We're told to be aware of our surroundings when we're walking in parking lots.  We're told to watch out for our neighbors through Neighborhood Watch programs.  We think we're attentive to our children but often find that we're tuned out when they ask us a question.  Perhaps the key to this scripture is the verb -- "devote."  We need to give ourselves over to prayer and purposefully observe the blessings that God gives us and thank Him for these blessings.  One of the most popular anacronyms for prayer is ACTS -- Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication.  Or how about PRAY -- Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield. 

Today as you enter into your own time of personal prayer, devote yourself to praying watchfully and thank God for the blessings He has given you.  I also challenge you to pray for those who are hurting during the holiday season.  For many, this is not the joyfully celebration time that most of us enjoy because of personal losses in their lives.  One of my favorite anthems is by Pepper Choplin, "Pray for the People."  I encourage you to listen to this song and pray for the person on your left & your right that you meet each and every day.

Today's Advent Devotional Photo of the Day - the Prayer Labyrinth at the Life Enrichment Center
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