Read: Colossians 4:2 | Listen: Colossians 4

This year in Beyond the Weekend, journey through different biblical models of prayer—one each month. November’s focus is Thanksgiving: expressing gratitude to God.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

Paul writes this letter from a prison cell. He has never met the believers in Colossae, but he’s heard false teachers are trying to pull them away from the gospel by saying Jesus is not enough. They push strict rules, special days, and human ideas (Colossians 2:8, 16). Paul answers with the truth. Jesus is over all things. In him, the church has everything it needs (Colossians 1:15–20; 2:9–10). Again and again, Paul calls them to be thankful (Colossians 2:7; 3:15–17), to remember what they already have in Christ. As Paul finishes his letter, he once more points them to pray and to give thanks.

This month, we focus on prayers of thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is expressing gratitude to God for his goodness and all he has done for us. Just as the Colossians were tempted to look for something more than Jesus, we can be, too. We chase the next thing and forget what we already have in Jesus. We must devote ourselves to prayer, meaning we keep at it, even when it’s hard. We can be watchful and thankful for what God is doing. Gratitude turns our eyes from what we lack to what God has given. Paul was in chains, yet he still gave thanks (Colossians 1:3). We too can thank God in every season. Because of Jesus, we have forgiveness, new life, and a place in God’s family. That is always a reason to give thanks.

TODAY: Write down three things God has done for you or given you this week. Then thank him for each one by name. Add to your list all month long.