Let Us Pray ( 7)
UNDISCOURAGED and undefeated, Paul wrote powerful letters of encouragement from prison. Paul did not ask the Ephesians to pray for his chains to be removed, but for him to continue to speak fearlessly for Christ. God can use us in any circumstance to do His will. Even as we pray for a change in our circumstances, we should also pray for God to accomplish His plan through us right from where we are. Knowing God’s eternal purpose for us, will help us through the difficult times.
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. 3: Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains. 4: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak,” ( Col 4: 24).
Have you ever grown tired of praying for something or someone? Paul said we should “continue earnestly” in prayer and be “vigilant” in our prayers. Our vigilance is an expression of our faith that God answers our prayers. Faith shouldn’t die if the answers come slowly, for the delay may be God’s way of working His will in our lives. When you feel tired of praying, know that God is present, always listening, always answering — maybe not in ways you had hoped, but in ways that he knows are best.
In Col 4: 4, Paul asked for prayer that he could proclaim the Good News about Christ clearly, and we can request prayer to do the same. No matter what approach to evangelism we use, whether emphasising life- style and example or whether building relationships, we should never obscure the gospel. Do not give place to the devil ( Eph 4: 27), especially in this matter of prayer. Replenish your spiritual life through prayer.
Christ Expects Us To Pray ( Luke 11: 1- 13) “He said to them, ' when you pray, say: …” ( Luke 11: 2).
Our Lord says: “When you pray …” Note: not “if” you pray, but “when” you pray. Prayer is not optional. Christ expects us to pray. And His will, as we have seen is that we should always pray ( Luke 18: 1). This is not intended to be onerous or a heavy burden, but relational. What He has said in His word about prayer conveys His will for you.
Prayer Is No Verbal Marathon
Don’t be wearied by fellow Christians with their pious clichés, their high- sounding phrases, and their meaningless God- talk. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, the prayer He modelled for them is so simple, so direct. It does not contain highsounding language, but clear, concise, down- to- earth terms. Christians can be different to pagans “by not using vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words,” ( Mat 6: 7). “Therefore do not be like them,” ( Mat 6: 7- 8).
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Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. 3: Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains.