Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2 ESV)
Pay Attention
I have no trouble paying attention to a new Star Trek episode, but I struggle to pay attention during Sports news. I have no trouble paying attention to my grandchildren’s conversation, but I struggle to pay attention to the ramblings of a salesperson. I have no trouble paying attention to my physician, my banker, or my mechanic, but I struggle to pay attention to a gardener, a tailor, or a hiker.
I expect your comparable lists are different.
But we pay attention to what interests us.
God’s people pay attention to God’s grace. God’s people pay attention to God’s Word. God’s people pay attention to God’s love.
And when we pay attention to those things, gratitude is an easier and more common attitude.
Even praying, at times a dutiful repetitive activity, keeps our attention when we are giving thanks. When our theme is thanksgiving more than listing lists. When we remember Who we are speaking to, instead of wandering in our own minds.
Thanksgiving turns our prayers upside down.