It is important how we witness for Christ by our thoughts, words and deeds. Under the circumstances in the Colossian church, Paul challenged the people to be careful how they represented the Lord in their community. In Col 4: 2 - 7, Paul pointed to 3 important ministries of communication with words from the heart: praying (v. 2 - 3a), proclaiming the Word (v. 3b - 4), and witnessing to the lost (v. 4: 5 - 6). Here the focus on prayer is given great emphasis, and I would elaborate further below.
In Col 4: 2 - 3a, Paul described the characteristics of a spiritual prayer life. Our prayer must be...
1. Faithful. "Continue in prayer..." (v. 2). Be steadfast in prayer, be devoted, and don't quit praying. Praying only occasionally is not good enough. Neither should we pray only when feel like it. "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thess 5: 17). Praying is communicating with God, which is as necessary as breathing to us, and so we should constantly be in fellowship with God.
2. Watchful. Be awake and alert as we pray. "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation..." (Matt 26: 41). There is no power in dull, listless praying. Praying demands spiritual energy and alertness, and we should ask the Holy Spirit for His leading and guidance on how to pray.
3. Thankful. "...watch in the same with thanksgiving" (v. 2). There is always so much to be thankful to God for. Only asking and never thanking God for His gifts shows no sincere gratitude to Him. Remember even to thank Him for thorns as well as roses, for clouds as well as sunshine, and for pain as well as pleasure.
4. Purposeful. "...praying also for us..." (v. 3a). Are our prayers vague and general? It is better to pray for specific needs. It is not telling God what to do or what to give. It is asking God for that which He wants to do and give, according to His will (1 Jn 5: 14, 15).
In Col 4: 2 - 3a, Paul described the characteristics of a spiritual prayer life. Our prayer must be...
1. Faithful. "Continue in prayer..." (v. 2). Be steadfast in prayer, be devoted, and don't quit praying. Praying only occasionally is not good enough. Neither should we pray only when feel like it. "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thess 5: 17). Praying is communicating with God, which is as necessary as breathing to us, and so we should constantly be in fellowship with God.
2. Watchful. Be awake and alert as we pray. "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation..." (Matt 26: 41). There is no power in dull, listless praying. Praying demands spiritual energy and alertness, and we should ask the Holy Spirit for His leading and guidance on how to pray.
3. Thankful. "...watch in the same with thanksgiving" (v. 2). There is always so much to be thankful to God for. Only asking and never thanking God for His gifts shows no sincere gratitude to Him. Remember even to thank Him for thorns as well as roses, for clouds as well as sunshine, and for pain as well as pleasure.
4. Purposeful. "...praying also for us..." (v. 3a). Are our prayers vague and general? It is better to pray for specific needs. It is not telling God what to do or what to give. It is asking God for that which He wants to do and give, according to His will (1 Jn 5: 14, 15).
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