...rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer...(Romans 12:12 NASB).
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38, 39).
"...devoted to prayer."
"OK, now you're telling me that I've got to be on my knees several hours every day."
Actually, nothing could be further from the truth.
The word translated devoted in this passage usually is applied to relationships between people - a husband and wife, parents and children, very close friends, members of the body of Christ, etc. However, in this case it is applied to an activity.
In many areas of life, being devoted to an activity carries the negative connotation that a person is living in an unbalanced way. For most of us, it's how we read this passage by default.
But a closer look reveals the reality. This chapter in Romans introduces the conclusion of Paul's letter. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy..." (Romans 12:1) refers to all of the incredible blessings described previously.
In particular, note Romans 8:38, 39. Nothing can separate you from the love of God. Nothing! This means that God (Father, Son and Spirit) is devoted to you. He has initiated a never-to-be-broken relationship with you. You entered this relationship the instant you accepted Jesus as your Savior.
This means that the indwelling Spirit is initiating a conversation with you. And why wouldn't he? He wants to know you, and he wants you to know him. When you acknowledge this conversation, you become as devoted to him as he is to you. Suddenly, this isn't an activity to be endured, but a relationship to be enjoyed. In fact, it's the source of a balanced life.
You are free to bring everything to the conversation. You can shout for joy, scream in pain, cry, whisper, listen, question - everything you can say to your closest friend you can say to Jesus, and more. He will engage in this conversation with you with ever greater revelations of his love, grace and power. And the more he reveals, the more you will be changed from the inside out.
In Him,
Bob Christopher