Making a PACT with God

Meditate on Colossians 1:9-14

When you pondered on this passage for a second time, did you notice God saying something different from yesterday? I do hope so. The Bible is such a remarkable book; and for me, the way it says different things from the same passage convinces me there’s a divine voice behind it. This really is the Word of God in the words of men!

If Paul prays so much for the Christians in Colossae, what does he ask God to do?

I’d like to introduce you to a pattern of praying that I find really helpful and that I’ve been using myself for many years. It involves making a pact with the Lord. We can get very keen on ‘me time’ – well this is sharing some ‘us-time’ with God.

P stands for praise. I look around for something to praise him for. It might be some aspect of his character (and that’s always a good place to start), it may be something I’ve recently discovered from his word, or an event that taken place in my life recently. Praise is giving God the credit for who he is and what he’s done and it helps me establish a connection with him in prayer.

A stand for Admit. OK, we know that there are things on the shadow side of life that we would prefer the Lord to turn a blind eye to. It may be direct, conscious and deliberate sin. Whatever it is, let’s admit it and seek his grace and his forgiveness.

C stands for Come. This is the moment to come into his throne room with requests; things that concern you or things you’d like the Lord to do. The Bible calls us to intercede, to plead with the Lord for things and people and also for ourselves. Sometimes it will feel like wrestling with God. But the joy that comes when we see him act in answer to our prayers is incalculable!

T stands for Thank. I just look for a couple of things I can thank God for  and actually do it.

So shall we do it?

Prayer

Praise God that his word speaks to us and that his voice is behind all we read in it.

Admit: Is there anything I need to confess to him today?

Come: Bring your requests to him now – especially pray for …

Thank: What particular things can you thank him for today?