Read Colossians 4:2

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

It has well been said that the purpose of prayer is not to get our will
done in heaven, but to get God’s will done on earth. Prayer is not
telling God what to do or what to give. Prayer is asking God for
that which He wants to do and give, according to His will (1 John
5:14–15). As we read the Word and fellowship with our Father, we
discover His will and then boldly ask Him to do what He has planned.
Richard Trench (1807–1886), archbishop of Dublin, said it perfectly:
“Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance; it is laying hold of His
willingness.”

Of course, it is possible to pray in our hearts and never use the
gift of speech (1 Sam. 1:13), but we are using words even if we don’t
say them audibly. True prayer must first come from the heart, whether
the words are spoken or not.
Something to Ponder

As you pray, in what ways are you “watchful”? In what ways are you
“thankful”?