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Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Pray - to beg, plead, ask, entreat, implore, petition, beseech. The Holy Spirit reminds us here that we should be devoted to prayer. Prayer is a discipline that is developed by practicing it. I'm not speaking of a monotonous ritual that is done only to check off of a list of things to do. I'm speaking of a time of communication with God. He's always available and accessible. In fact, He longs, and patiently waits, for us to come to Him. “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ He understands us - “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:15‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus is that High Priest!!! He has made it possible for each of us to come individually, and personally, into the throne room without fear. In the time of the kings, no one could simply barge in the presence of the king. Only by invitation or special permission could one come before the king. Through Jesus Christ, God beckons us to come anytime anywhere. Jesus is the only way to come into the Throne Room. “For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬.
We must enter in the name of Jesus. Prayer is made alive and powerful in the name of Jesus! Prayer has four main steps: 
1. Adoration - taking time to praise God. Praise isn't thanksgiving. They are two separate things. Praise recognizes Him for who He is (Creator, Master, Savior, Deliverer, Sustainer, etc). 
2. Confession - recognition of sin and repentance. We must daily, and constantly throughout the day, be conscientious of our sins. We do this by being submissive to, and in tune with, the Holy Spirit.
3. Thanksgiving - taking the time recognize God for what He has done (provided food, protection, another day of life, salvation, etc.).
4. Supplication - pleading with God concerning our needs and desires with sincere conviction and humility.
I encourage you to do this daily and throughout each day. I Thessalonians 5:17 says “Never stop praying.” NLT‬‬ God is waiting!