Colossians 4:2-3
“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:”
The ability to speak to God through the utterance of prayer is a gift from God that must be used as God ordains. Prayer and worship are perhaps the highest uses of the gift of speech. Paul was an apostle, but he needed others to support him and his ministry with prayer. If a great missionary like Paul was not afraid to ask others to pray for himself and his ministry, how much more do you and I need this spiritual support! Paul provides four important points that will help us in our spiritual prayer life.
Be Faithful
“Continue in prayer,” means “Be steadfast in your prayer life; be devoted; don’t quiet.” This is what the early church did
in Acts 1:14. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of
Jesus, and with his brethren. Unfortunately, many of us pray only occasionally, when we feel like it or when there is a
crisis. God’s command is for us to, Pray without ceasing,1 Thessalonians 5:17. The application is that we should be
constantly in fellowship with God so that prayer is as normal to us as breathing.
This does not suggest that God is reluctant to answer prayer and that we must “wear Him out” by our praying. God enjoys answering our prayers. But, He sometimes delays theanswer to increase our faith and devotion and to accomplish His purposes at the right time. God’s delays are not always God’s denials. As we continue in prayer, our own hearts are prepared for the answer God will give. We will fid ourselves growing in grace even before His answer comes.
Be Watchful
We must be awake and alert as we pray. The phrase “Watch and pray!’ is often used in the Bible. Nehemiah used the phrase when he was rebuilding the walls and the gates of Jerusalem. Nehemiah 4:8-9, “And conspired all of them together to come and to fiht against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.” Jesus used the phrase, “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is,” Mark 13:33. Paul used the phrase. Ephesians 6:18, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Real prayer demand spiritual energy and alertness, and this can only come from the Holy Spirit of God.
Be Thankful
“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Thanksgiving is an important ingredient in successful praying. Philippians 4:6, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God.” Sincere gratitude to God is one of the best ways to put enthusiasm into our praying. When we recall that Paul wrote this while a prisoner, it makes this emphasis even more wonderful.
by Dennis Baker, Brotherhood President
