Colossians 4:1-6 – Prayer
As Paul comes towards the end of his letter, he gives instructions to the believers about both their inner and outward lives. He begins by dealing with that most important aspect of the inner life of the child of God, that of prayer. Just as the reading of the Word of God is God speaking to his people, prayer is the child of God speaking to his heavenly Father. Both things are vital for true spiritual health. Paul urges perseverance, alertness and thanksgiving in prayer.
The Lord Jesus Christ reminded his disciples of the need for perseverance in prayer when He told them the parable of the widow who received justice from a wicked judge because she continued to ask. Luke 18:1 – 8. If even a wicked judge will respond to persevering requests, how much more will the believer obtain an answer from a heavenly Father who loves him?
The kind of alertness needed is not just the wakefulness urged upon the disciples in Gethsemane, Matt. 26:41, but has more to do with an awareness in his praying of his own needs and those of his family, church and society as well as the dangers that ever threaten the believer and the church.
Prayer should never be separated from thanksgiving for all the mercies received from the hand of a sovereign God. No matter what the circumstances of his life and the difficulties being faced, the believer always has abundant cause to give thanks to God. He should always be aware of a full and free salvation, a promised home in heaven and the constant presence and help of the triune God. If it is sometimes hard to be thankful because of unpleasant circumstances, remember that Paul wrote this letter when he was in prison in Rome.
Questions
- Why do we sometime give up praying for somebody or something? Is it right to give up and if so, when?
Prayer Points
- Pray that you would persevere in prayer.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.