You can pray every day and still bring a completely different mindset to it.
Sometimes we show up focused.
Sometimes distracted.
Sometimes determined.
Sometimes just going through the motions.
Mindsets matter in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Colossians 4:2 tells us:
“Pray diligently. Stay alert. Keep your eyes wide open in gratitude.”
Praying diligently is the “work ethic” prayer.
It’s being persistent and determined — saying,
“Lord, I will not quit asking You, seeking You, and believing in You until I hear from You.”
Diligence means approaching God with the mindset that we mean serious business — the work He is doing and He is calling us to—matters.
Being diligent means approaching God with boldness and confidence, making our needs known to Him.
When we pray with diligence, we say,
“Lord, I am clinging and holding on to You… and I will NOT let go.”
“Staying alert” means being vigilant.
Paying attention.
Noticing what God’s doing in our life.
It means being on guard — looking to hear and see what God is doing in us and all around us.
Staying alert says,
“Jesus, I am here in Your presence. I am hungry and eager to hear from You. I want and need Your touch.”
“Keeping your eyes wide open in gratitude”means:
“Lord, I am not falling asleep. I am not going to be lazy in Your presence.”
“I thank You for everything… both the good and the bad.”
“I celebrate and rejoice in You, because Your grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness overwhelm me.”
“I realize that I am nothing without You, but You make my life worth living.”
This is the mindset we bring when we come to Him — diligent, alert, and grateful for all He is doing in us and around us.