1. Devoted to Prayer
Colossians 4:1-3 (NIV)
2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
a. Steadfast (proskartereite) — Persistence, Devoted Attention
Colossians 4:2 (NIV)
2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Acts 1:14 (NIV)
14They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
b. Watchful (grēgorountes) — Alertness, Staying Spiritually Awake
Colossians 4:2 (NIV)
2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Matthew 26:40–41 (NIV)
40Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter. 41‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)
18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
8Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Nehemiah 4:9 (NIV)
9But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.
c. With Thanksgiving (en eucharistia) — Gratitude as the Tone
Colossians 4:2 (NIV)
2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV)
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV)
16Rejoice always, 17pray continually, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 1:3 (NIV)
3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.
Colossians 1:12 (NIV)
12Giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
Colossians 2:7 (NIV)
7Rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Daniel 6:10 (NIV)
10Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Psalm 100:4 (NIV)
4Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
2. We All Need Prayer
Colossians 4:3–4 (NLT)
3Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.”
A. Prayer Releases God’s Power and Action
James 5:16 (NIV)
16The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
B. Prayer Channels Spiritual Strength and Comfort
Romans 15:30–31 (NIV)
30I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
C. Prayer Brings Healing and Restoration
James 5:14–15 (NIV)
14Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.
D. Prayer Changes the Heart of the Person Praying
E. Prayer Defeats Spiritual Opposition
Ephesians 6:12, 18 (NIV)
12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Luke 22:31–32 (NIV)
31Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.