SATURDAY January 18, 2025
Vigilant in Prayer
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving....
Colossians 4:2
In concluding the book of Colossians, Paul first turned to the subject of prayer––words of vigilant prayer; second, to words of proclamation to make clear the mystery of Christ; and third, to words of Christian performance seen in our wise and graceful speech. Then the Apostle gave us final words of exhortation. He desired to move us onward to the point of perfection––to fulfill the ministry given to us by the Lord before going to heaven to be with Him.
Notice that the first verse of Colossians 4 actually belongs with the subject of the previous chapter––bondservants. Paul remained under house arrest while waiting for his trial, but his outlook was joyful because he was not hindered in doing his work in the ministry.
Again, as Paul comes to the conclusion of his letter to the Colossians, he gave an exhortation to pray. Paul was a mighty man of prayer. He knew its value in the life of the believer. Prayer helps strengthen the believer’s relationship with God. It is an intimate time of fellowship with the Lord. Prayer is like oxygen to our lungs. Our spiritual life cannot survive without prayer. God wants us to pray, pray, pray! We are to pray earnestly and vigilantly. This means we are always to be spiritually alert––watchful.
In prayer, make it a habit to praise God and give Him thanks. Thank Him for answered prayers! The Apostle was acutely aware that prayer strengthened the life of the Church. It continues to be a formidable weapon wielded against our enemies––Satan and his demons. These forces of evil constantly come against us. Have you been discouraged lately? Do you feel defeated? Know this: The enemy will try to rob you of your joy, when the Bible tells us: “The joy of the Lord is our strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
Remember, it is not how you start your Christian walk that counts; it is how you finish.
But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
~2 Timothy 4:5~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
