I set out on a walk across the ranch hoping to let my prayers wander. Somehow, they went in a straight line.

This week on Conversations in the Barn, I reflect on Pastor Isaac’s sermon on Colossians 4:2-4 and what it means to be devoted to prayer. We look at Paul’s surprising request from a prison cell and consider how time spent with God can help us look beyond our prayer lists, notice the doors he opens, and recognize opportunities to be part of what he’s doing.

Scripture: Colossians 4: 2-4

Read the Blog: https://blackhillscowboychurch.snappages.site/blog/2026/10/20/beyond-the-prayer-list

About the Author: Rachel Mahoney

Rachel met her husband, Vic, while they were both in college. They live on Vic’s family ranch in the Black Hills of Wyoming with their two daughters.

As Communications and Technology Director at Black Hills Cowboy Church, Rachel helps tell the church’s story through its website, social media, and media production. She also creates Conversations in the Barn, a midweek blog and podcast that connects Sunday’s teaching with life beyond the church walls.

Rachel finds it hard not to notice God in the beauty of the Black Hills. Long walks through the hills and across the ranch are some of her favorite ways to take in the wonder of his creation and draw closer to him. She also enjoys slow evenings with friends and making memories with her family.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to be devoted to prayer? And how can we develop a deeper, more meaningful prayer life?

In Colossians 4: 2, Paul calls us to devote ourselves to prayer, remaining watchful and thankful. But Christian prayer is about more than occasionally saying a few words or bringing God a list of requests. It's about building an ongoing relationship with Him, one marked by commitment, attentiveness, and gratitude.

Being watchful in prayer doesn't mean living in anxiety or constantly looking for something to fear. It means staying spiritually awake, paying attention to what God is doing around us, and learning to recognize His presence in our everyday lives. Think of a steady, sure-footed horse that remains aware of its surroundings without spooking at every little thing.

This message challenges us to rethink how we pray. Instead of rushing straight to our needs, what would change if we began with thanksgiving? Remembering what God has already done can reshape how we see our circumstances, our struggles, and the things we're asking Him to do.

Join us as we explore Colossians 4 and discover how to grow in prayer, practice gratitude, and become more attentive to God's work in our lives. A richer prayer life isn't simply about saying more. It's about learning to live more closely with God.

**Scripture:** Colossians 4: 2–6

*Conversations in the Barn | Black Hills Cowboy Church, Beulah, Wyoming*

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Pastor Isaac admitted he wanted to skip this one. Colossians 3:18–4:1 speaks to wives and husbands, children and parents, slaves and masters, and these verses carry real weight, including a painful history of being used to silence and oppress.

In this episode, Rachel reflects on Isaac’s reminder that “you never get promoted to God,” a frustrating evening correction to the Sunday program, and John Wesley’s final letter, written six days before his death after reading the testimony of Olaudah Equiano, a formerly enslaved man.

Whose voice might we be tempted to dismiss? And what might grace ask of us once we’ve heard them?

Read the full blog post, “Too Busy Bristling,” here: https://blackhillscowboychurch.snappages.site/blog/2026/10/13/too-busy-bristling

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