Watchful In Prayer

I find myself just saying words,
Now and then, when I pray.
My mind is off on some tangent,
Not hearing what I say.
 
Oh, shame on me, and it should be,
For all the grace I’ve known,
To not stay focused in my thanks
For the love You have shown.
 
I stop and ask Your forgiveness,
And then I start once more
To praise You and lift up my thanks
To You, whom I adore.
 
I know I chat with You often
As I move through the day,
But when I come in earnest, Lord,
I should focus and pray.
 
Your blessings flow unceasingly,
I see them everywhere.
I need to thank You for them with
A heart focused on prayer.
 
The many hopes and fears I place
Before You in my need,
Should not be uttered as rote thoughts,
But prayerfully, indeed.
 
Oh, Father, help me keep my thoughts
Fixed on You as I pray,
That I’m sincerely offering
My praise and thanks each day.
 
Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.