The Work of Prayer

Colossians 4:2

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

It is always interesting to see how often hard work comes into conversation. The joy of seeing and feeling a day’s work be rewarded with a sigh and peace knowing that looking back on what had been done it was good and it looks good. One of the great joys of my life was looking at a yard I had just mowed with a well-trimmed side walk from the vantage point of my porch swing with a fresh glass of sweet tea in my hand. To look and see that all the work was done and it was good. Yes, next week, the grass would grow and need cut again but at this moment the enjoyment of seeing the job well done was reward and gave the motivation to do it again next week.

As we read through the text of scripture it is interesting to note what is commanded about how Christians are to approach prayer. Three things specifically are pointed out by the apostle at this point; steadfastly, watchful, thanksgiving. The first of these, steadfast, brings all the weight of work with it. Other places Christ holds up the parable of the widow and the unrighteous judge, noting that it was her persistence that won the day. Not the validity of her argument, nor her societal place, but simply she kept at it. (Luke 18:1-8) To persist in prayer, day and night, night and day, day after day, year after year, is nothing but work and requires a soul given to the task. Is the end worth the work? That is what steadfastness comes down to. This is the question of all things requiring us to persevere. If it be at a game, at work, or even our marriages. Is it worth it?

Be watchful. Paul commands us to look for opportunities to pray. Look for ways we can bring the power of God into our lives and watch as he opens doors for the GOSPEL to move and the KINGDOM to grow. Our prayers are not to be aligned with our own personal ease (James 4:3) but rather with the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the Kingdom. Are you on the alert for ways God can move in your life to spread the Gospel and grow the Kingdom?

With thanksgiving. To be thankful while I ask for something I have not received. To be thankful for the answer even as I must wait for decades for an answer. To go praise to God as he moves in little ways over the years. When the answer is years away we are called to pray with thanksgiving. That we can pray, that he will answer, that God is good and will work ALL things for his glory and our good!

After days, months, years, and decades of prayer to sit back and look at how God has worked in your prayers gives you the strength to start praying again. To sit on your porch and know that the grass will grow and it will be your privilege to mow it. Let us pray as we are commanded. Recognizing that the business and work of prayer were so important that when the disciples are pulled from it they create the office of deacon, that they might preach and pray. (Acts 6:4) If you believe that revival must come recognize that it has never come without prayer and the right preaching of God’s word. Let us pray with steadfastness, watchfulness, and thanks giving.

CRUCE, DUM SPIRO, FIDO