"Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving."  Col. 4:2

What does Paul mean to "devote yourselves to prayer"?  I asked the youth last night and heard some great answers.  Actually, I asked what the word "devote" means.  The responses were: commit, focus, no distractions, etc.  I answered that it meant to give something a high priority.  Then, we discussed why is that we all agree on the importance of prayer but not necessarily the reverence of prayer.  Do we really realize that we are speaking to the creator of the universe, when we pray?  He listens and pays attention to us.  We act like we are talking to a friend.  I don't mean to pray and communicate with God like He's not your friend.  Just remember that your friend is the savior of mankind.  Your friend is, "the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.  For by Him all things were created...all things have been created through Him and for Him." Col. 1:15, 16. 
At the same time, be excited about your prayers because He listens to you.  Maybe, we need to stop and realize not just the importance of communicating with God.  We need to stop and realize the marvel and appreciation of communicating with God.

The Steve