² Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:4 CSB)

I read various translations of scripture because I value learning more about exactly what a scripture means. I find that some translations speak to me more than others in a given situation. At times this is interpretational and sometimes it is due to the season of life I find myself in. Regardless, I highly encourage looking at scripture through different interpretations, but always through the lens of The Spirits guidance. We must avoid trying to bend scripture to our will.

The Christian Standard interpretation of this line of scripture provide three very distinct elements to our prayer life.

Devotion – we are to make time and dedicate it to prayer. We can take this one step further and pray without ceasing as Paul recommended. Regardless, keeping in constant contact with our Father is so very important in a life of faith and a life of peace.

Alertness – we can make prayers this thing of rote and they can have little to no life in them. An alert pray life is an active prayer life. One that is not a drudgery, but a lively conversation with God.

Thanksgiving – our prayer life should be filled with thanksgiving. We should pray as if our prayers are already answered, because in reality they are and we just do not know or we cannot see God’s plan because we are so focused on our own outcomes.

Prayer should be a vibrant part of our lives.