Colossians: Alive In Christ Paraugs

What kind of prayer life should we be aspiring to, as churches and individuals? Verse 2 gives us some clear instructions: ‘Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving’ (ESV). Firstly, we are to continue in prayer. We are to cultivate prayerfulness; that is, ongoing habits of prayer. Secondly, we’re called to be steadfast in prayer. We’re to be immovable and unwavering in our prayerfulness. Keeping going in prayer when we ‘don’t feel like it’ or when ‘life is busy’ is key to developing prayerfulness. Thirdly, Paul asks us to be watchful. This has the sense of being awake and alert to threat (Mark 14:37–38) or to the return of Christ (Luke 21:34–36). There’s something we can do about spiritual dozing and lethargy; we can keep ourselves alert in prayer! On a very practical note, seek to develop habits of prayer that keep you awake (like speaking aloud and walking around) and don’t entice you to sleep (such as sitting in a cosy armchair early in the morning with your eyes closed). Lastly, we’re called to thankfulness (see 3:15–17). It’s incredibly refreshing and encouraging to regularly list up, in prayer, the blessings we’ve received. Don’t neglect it! 

Paul is very aware himself of how dependent his ministry is on the prayerfulness of the local church (vv. 3–4). He needs ‘open doors’ for gospel proclamation and he needs clarity in that proclamation. These will come, he thinks, through the church’s prayer. Prayer for missionaries and world mission should, therefore, also infuse all our praying because this is God’s means of empowering them to do what he’s sent them to do. They need us to pray. As we do that, we will reap spiritual benefits ourselves through a greater liberation from selfishness and a bigger vision of the glory of Christ amongst the nations (1:3–6). 

Reflection

1. Where do you need to grow in your prayer life? How can you do that?

2. Are there any ways you could plan to pray for missionaries or world mission? How do you think praying for world mission would affect your spiritual life?