Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. – Colossians 4:2
Numerous other translations of today’s verse from Colossians begin, “Devote yourselves to prayer.” In essence, as the dictionary says, “Give all or a large part of one’s time or resources to [person, activity, or cause].” Dr. Wayne Grudem, one of the editors of the English Standard Version (ESV) used above, and a leader in systematic theology, devotes an entire chapter to the topic of prayer. One cannot be devoted to prayer that is cold and lifeless, but the prayer in which you continue steadfastly has an earnestness in it. Grudem wrote, “If we truly begin to see situations as God sees them, if we begin to see the needs of a hurting and dying world as they really are, then it will be natural to pray with intense emotional involvement and to expect God, as a merciful Father, to respond to heartfelt prayer.”
Other translations also say “keeping alert in it” rather than “being watchful.” Pastor and author Rocky Pugh reminds you to stay on guard, keep vigilant, and have your eyes wide open to what is going on around you. “For Jesus may return at any moment, and you do not want to be ashamed before Him at his appearing (1 John 2:28), do you?”
Theologian John Piper says, “Prayer is not some small thing. It is not some marginal thing. It is not some incidental thing in the Christian life. Prayer is at the heart of why God created the universe. You may have the modern, secular notion that the universe is really about great galactic events and supernovas and remarkable expanses of time and space and energy. But in reality the center of the created universe is man created in the image of God. And the meaning of man in the image of God is to display God’s glory. And the way God delights to display His glory in man is by being depended on through prayer.”
So be thankful for the awesome privilege you have of being able to talk to God. And always remember “the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16). Be devoted to the practice of communicating with the Lord; stay alert to the things where prayer can be effectual; and always, always, give Him thanks for hearing you, for loving you, and for answering your prayers. Use the power of those prayers today in upholding new members of Congress and the administration.
Today’s Verse: Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 26:36-46
36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
