Prayer with Thankfulness Colossians 4:2

After sharing with the Colossian church members concerning their relationships with one another and the importance of unity among them, Paul the apostle turned his attention towards relating with the Heavenly Father. In chapter four and verse two of his letter to the church, Paul wrote concerning prayer and thanksgiving where we read:

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

The verse begins, “Continue in prayer”. Paul begins his encouragement with “Continue” which means “to adhere to one, be his adherent, to be devoted or constant to one, to be steadfastly attentive unto, to give unremitting care to a thing, constant all the time in a place, to persevere and not to faint, to show one's self courageous for, to be in constant readiness for one, wait on constantly” “in prayer” or “a place set apart or suited for addressing God”. Paul's idea was for the Colossians to be constantly talking and listening to God at all times and in every place.

The verse goes on to say, “and watch in the same with thanksgiving;” Paul gave further instructions in the area of prayer by stating “and watch” which means “give strict attention to, be cautious and active” “in the same with thankfulness” or “thanksgiving, gratitude and appreciation”. While the Colossians were praying constantly and everywhere, they were to have an attitude of being thankful to the Lord for everything He has provided.

This verse is one in which it is easy to give mental assent and agreement, however it is not easily followed. As we think about these words, let us ask ourselves, “Do we pray constantly and in every place?” “Do we have an attitude of gratefulness towards the Lord Jesus or do we use our prayer time as simply asking Him for more?” Paul's words were inspirational instructions for the Colossians, and they are equally as important for us. May the Lord remind us to “continue in prayer” and be thankful unto Him when we do.

Next time Paul asks the Colossians to pray for himself and the others with him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.