The Holiness of Prayer

In our Bible study this week at church, we are studying Colossians 4:2-18. The first verse in this passage is one worth considering, especially in light of the holiday we are about to celebrate:

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. ~ Col 4:2
I decided to look up the word translated as thankful in this verse. It is transliterated from the original Greek as eucaristia. This is the same root used in the word Eucharist, which is a term used for the sacrament of Holy communion.

The connection of the words we use, thankful and Eucharist surprised me. But, as I consider that information as I read Colossians, 4:2, it clarifies the significance of the act of prayer for me. The sacraments I observe in my protestant church are Baptism and Communion. But, when I look up the word sacrament in the dictionary, it is defined as, first, Holy communion. But the fourth definition is, "something regarded as possessing a sacred character or mysterious significance."

When I consider what God's word tells us about prayer, how He hears us no matter where we are, it blows my mind. I can't fully comprehend it. It is mysterious and significant. How often do I pray my laundry list of isues and requests, with the acceptable solutions of course, like I'm going over a list of chores over the phone with my kids. Prayer is not humdrum, everyday stuff. He hears us when we call, no matter where we are or what our attitude is. Why does He bother to listen to my whiny stuff?

The only answer I have is,

Jesus Loves Me,
This I know,
For the Bible tells me so.

And that is the mystery of Grace.