Listen to this devotion
This is the Express Lane?
In the Word
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2).
Of the Word
Holding five items, you scan the store’s crowded check-out lanes and strategically plot your choices. An express lane opens! You triumphantly out-maneuver several shoppers and become the second one in line. Only then you notice the brimming cart ahead of you — the thrill of victory becomes the agony of defeat. Although tempted to count aloud the woman’s items, you ponder the options. What if … she is a single mom, rushing to purchase needed groceries before picking up children at daycare? What if … you prayed for her instead of grumbling? What if … you prayed for the tired-looking cashier, or the upset people behind you, or those who cannot afford to buy even five items?
Continue steadfastly in prayer, … (Colossians 4:2a). We often overlook opportunities to pray. Sitting at a long traffic light gives us time to pray for family and friends. Delayed by the after school surge of walkers and bicyclists, we can pray for students and teachers. Thank God for the possibilities to be in prayer for others. They are not interruptions. They are invitations to be in conversation with Him.
Walking with my Lord
Lord, thank You for the many opportunities You give me each day of my life to continue steadfastly in prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 2/30 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
