Prayer

 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/col.4.2.ESV

Why should we pray? Firstly, because we're commanded to in God's word. Secondly, it teaches us perseverence; it encourages us to become steadfast in it. This is because God often says 'wait' in response to our prayers, which should spur us on to persevere rather than to give up.

How can we become steadfast in prayer? No excuses nowadays! There are great apps like PrayerMate which remind us to pray and tell us what to pray for daily.

One thing we can often forget to do with prayer is to be watchful in it. There's no use in asking God for stuff if we're not going to watch for His answers! Again, apps like PrayerMate can help us to look back upon past prayers and trace God's answers through it all.

Another important thing to remember in prayer is to be thankful. We're not just to present God with shopping lists of requests, but to thank Him for all His provision and goodness to us. We can thank Him too that He hears our prayers, even if we don't always get our own way.

'God, how grateful we are that You hear and answer prayer. Please teach us how to pray aright, through Your Word and Your Spirit, amen'

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