Oh Wait, I’m Not Finished
Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:3
My grandson loves to say the prayer before a meal. He finds it humorous to say amen, but then say, “Oh wait, I’m not finished.” Then he starts “praying” again. Of course, while doing so he looks around to see if we are looking and laughing at him. His parents finally have to tell him he can only say one more thing because he likes to go on and on.
Fortunately for us God does not limit our prayer time. We can have an attitude of prayer all day long. He does not mind at all if we add to our prayers as things come up during our day. Thanking him puts whatever goes on in our lives in the proper prospective, both the blessings and the negatives.
While studying the book of Colossians I noticed Paul mentions prayer especially prayers of thanksgiving many times. He thanks God for the faithful people in his life, people who love God and love others. He describes giving joyful thanks for the endurance and patience of his fellow believers.
Paul talks about being thankful during suffering and challenge. We know he wrote many of his letters while in prison yet he still found things for which to be grateful.
He describes how Christians should overflow with thankfulness because of salvation and God abiding in us. Wow! If he could find things to thank God for in the midst of his trials. How much more should we?
God does not put a time limit on our prayers. He encourages us to pray all the time. Prayer draws us near to his heart and him near to ours.
So, although my grandson’s “oh, wait” prayers may have become annoying to those of us sitting around the table ready to eat, God would love to hear us say, “Oh wait, I’m not finished yet!”
Father, we thank you for your presence in our lives. We praise your name for the many blessings you provide. Thank you, God. Thank you.
Susan P.
