Colossians 4:2

Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;

'CONTINUE STEDFASTLY IN' -'Devote yourselves to' (NASV); 'Persevere in' (Con); 'Be earnest' (Wey). (See Acts 2:42; Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Jesus often mentioned the importance of being diligent in prayer (Luke 18:1; Luke 11:5).

Eadie notes, 'They were never to suppose that prayer was needless, either because their desires had been gratified, or God had bestowed upon them all His gifts...They were to pray and wait, not to be discouraged, but still to hold on..' (p. 267)

Commands like this (Ephesians 6:18); infer that there will always exist great needs in the local congregation, among Christians at large or in our own lives that need to be prayed for. There is always something that is pressing that needs our prayers.

'WATCHING THEREIN' -'keeping alert in it' (NASV); 'and wide awake about it' (Gspd); 'be both alert and thankful as you pray' (Phi); 'with mind awake and thankful heart' (NEB); 'Give your whole mind to it' (TCNT).

Points to Note:

1. 'May mean that they are to watch against growing weary so that the prayer becomes mechanical' (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 544)

2. 'This admonition to remain fully awake in prayer reminds one of Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38; Luke 22:40; Luke 22:46...What the apostle has in mind is that, while continuing in prayer, the worshipper shall be alive to such matters as. a. his own needs and those of the family, church, country, world (1 Timothy 2:1). b. the dangers that threaten the Christian community. c. the blessing received and promised. and (last but not least) d. the will of God.' (Hendriksen p. 179)

3. 'In the very act of prayer they must be on their guard against wandering thoughts. They must arose themselves, and beware of indifference and languor. They must concentrate their minds, so that prayer becomes. reality and not an empty form.' (Erdman p. 107) (Matthew 6:7; Ecclesiastes 2:1)

4. Note that God gives us assistance to make our communion with Him meaningful, purposeful, successful and enjoyable. Spiritual alertness in prayer happens when we: (a) Realize that we are actually approaching the very throne of God (Hebrews 4:16). (b) That God actually listens and acts upon our requests (James 5:16). (c) That the fate of whole nations can be changed by sincere prayer (The book of Jonah). (c) When we are aware of your own spiritual needs and the needs of others. (d) When we realize how fragile human relationships and the unity among God's people can be at times. (e) When we grasp the battle that we are engaged in (Ephesians 6:18). (f) And that the Lord may come at any time (1 Thessalonians 5:6).

'WITH THANKSGIVING' -(1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Points to Note:

1. The spirit that is alert and in tune with pressing needs, is also the thankful or grateful spirit. Such. person realizes and sees: (a) How much worse things could be. (b) The close calls that Christians and the local congregation have experienced. (c) The many times that God has answered our prayers. (d) In view of the way we have treated each other at times, the undeserving nature of having an audience with God in the first place.

2. This reminds us, that we when approach God, even when we have. pressing need or concern, always remember to thank Him!

3. 'It should be borne in mind that the man who issues this directive is. prisoner. However, this prisoner is able to thank God even for his chains (1 Peter 1:12).' (Hendriksen p. 180)

4. The Christian life cannot be lived successfully, if one lacks gratitude (Ephesians 5:20; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Peter 4:6).

THE REQUEST FOR THEIR PRAYERS: