Paul wrote to the Colossians about prayer, asking for their prayers personally, “that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak” (Colossians 4:3-4).
However, his thoughts on prayer teach us a few important things, that are worth examining beyond Paul’s personal benefits from such intercessions. First, there is the phrase, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it…” (4:2). The idea of continuing in prayer, and the idea of vigilance is important when making petitions to God. He loves us! The parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 teaches us this. “And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?” We need to understand the importance and efficacy of prayer, and not to be discouraged if our petitions are not answered by Him immediately. It comes in His time.
Second, we can’t emphasis too greatly the importance of offering thanks to God. “…being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” (4:2). Christ illustrated the importance of thanksgiving in his words about the lepers He healed. “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:17-18).
God deserves vigilant prayer with thanksgiving! Heed Paul’s words!
