Colossians 4:2 "Continue in prayer, ..."

What Paul is nurturing here is the idea of worship in which we bring ourselves as well as our needs and petitions to God. The word he uses is never used of petitions which one man is making to another man.

'Proseuchomai' means "to pray to God i.e. supplicate, worship: pray" Strong

A worshipful spirit appreciates God for who He is -a bountiful, loving Father whose ear is open to the supplication of His children. Out of worship the very petitions will flow forth that express co-operation with His purposes for us and for those for whom we pray.

Worship-prayer ties in with praying in the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:14-15 ). A worshipful spirit will be a surrendered spirit to the control of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18 ). Our time of asking can either be in the same way we would make a request of an acquaintance or of a magistrate - but the worshipful spirit will receive far more because it surrenders to God as supreme and awesome in His mighty working. It is this praying that releases God's great power into the lives of others. Worshipful prayer in Christ's name is answered.

Colossians 4:2 "Continue earnestly in prayer ..."

Earnest perseverance is called for because of the hindrances we face in keeping the times we arrange for worshipful prayer, and unless we are disciplined we can succumb to distractions. Earnest effort is rewarded by personal growth in victorious living, and triumph over evil forces of Satan. Our faith is strengthened, the word of God's promises realised, and fresh supplies of Holy Spirit power obtained.

Colossians 4:2 "... being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;"

To be vigilant is to be open-eyed in the fullest sense - missing nothing - alert with full powers of perception.

Ready to take action. Do not miss the opportunity God gives to ask for great things. The alert sense the right moment to move into a new dimension of mighty asking, because of becoming aware of God's own confidence being imparted by the Holy Spirit, so that in the gift of faith the asking is above anything they could ask or think (1 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 3:20 ).

From the example of Daniel learn that vigilance in supplication will be rewarded by the granting of specific understanding, honoured by the Lord.

Daniel 9:23 "At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision:"

Communication is given to us by the Holy Spirit - at times by vision, He can quicken obedience through an angel of the Lord (Acts 8:26 ). But the normal way for New Testament believers is direct instructions from the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:29 ). Responded to by those who are alert, with active understanding. When the heart is set with open readiness to receive understanding with a humbling of self before the Lord, our words, like Daniel's will be heard, and the explanation we seek granted (Daniel 10:12 ).

The example of Jesus in vigilance in prayer should be emulated by us. After the miraculous feeding of the multitude, He climbed the mountain to pray (Matthew 14:23-24 ). Perceiving the fleshly desire of the multitude (John 6:14-15 ), His answer was to resort to fervent, vigilant supplication. Times of success and supernatural breakthrough can be occasions of temptation to please men and displease God. Protection is found in vigilance in prayer.

Both prayer and praise are to be vigilantly exercised. Our very supplications should have in them that which brings praise and honour to God. That being so, there is cause for thanksgiving because they are sure to be answered. (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 ). As believer-priests we are not only to petition, we are to present offerings of praise to God continually. (Hebrews 13:15; 1 Peter 2:9 ). Offering praise with our petitions will make them positive, pleasing and powerful, and they will prevail.

Colossians 4:3 "meanwhile praying also for us, ..."

Paul sought the involvement of the churches established by him, or others who laboured with him, by prayer for them in their pioneering ministry. Paul saw it as important that all the churches, young or well settled, be envisioned by the world commission of the Lord Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20 ). Not one local fellowship was intended to have the horizon of their function held down to local, inward looking needs and self centred goals.

By praying, these local churches would be reaching out to the nations beyond and thereby stirred to reach the persons at hand.

Colossians 4:3 "... that God would open to us a door for the word, ..."

The Lord of the church opens doors for fruitful ministry, and when He opens no one can shut - and should He shut a door, no one opens (Revelation 3:7 ). The Lord of missions, the Holy Spirit forbids going in one direction, and by vision points the way of the right direction. (Acts 16:6-10 ). Doors yield to prayer just as surely as the city gates did to Peter (Acts 12:10 ). A praying church is a missionary church.

Colossians 4:3 "... for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, ..."

Paul desired to preach and teach the Christ centred message of salvation, with no addition or omission. It is the gospel that is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16 ). Let our message be Christ and all our discipling be to Christ in true Pauline tradition.

Colossians 4:3 "... for which I am also in chains,"

"Paul might have been still at large if he had been content to preach a judaic gospel. It was because he contended for Gentile liberty, and thus offended Jewish prejudices, that he found himself a prisoner". Lightfoot

Even as an ambassador in bonds (Ephesians 6:20 ), he was effective for Christ (Philippians 1:13 ), Paul willingly embraced God's plan for his own life whether prison or freedom, and in whatever state, made sure his life counted for the kingdom advancement.

Colossians 4:4 "That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak."

Alexander Maclaren commented on this statement: "If Paul felt his conception of the gospel dwarfing into nothing his words when he tried to preach it, what must every true minister of Christ feel?"

How necessary it is to lift up in prayer those who proclaim the gospel and teach the Word - that their adequacy be through endued unction of the Holy Spirit. Prayer of this kind will be answered for Christ centred preachers.

---

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do you give thanks to God for the opportunity He gives you to ask for great things? (Colossians 4:2 ).
2. Can you share an example of protection through vigilance and prayer? (Colossians 4:2 ).
3. Why do you believe that offering thanksgiving with petitions is a key to effective prayer? (Colossians 4:2 ).
4. Why is it necessary to support Christ centred preachers by prayer? (Colossians 4:3-4 ).