Perfecting one’s prayer life

Posted under Uncategorized on January 28th, 2012 by with one response 

Perfecting one’s prayer life (Colossians 4:2-4)

Colossians 4:2. Paul not only practiced a mature prayer life (cf. Colossians 1:3-12) but he also prescribed it for all believers. They should devote themselves to (lit., “persist, continue in”; cf. Rom. 12:12) prayer. Prayer is not a spiritual luxury; it is essential for growth. Prayer–as vital to one’s spiritual health as breathing is to one’s physical health–should be continual (1 Thes. 5:17), not casual. In his praying, a Christian should be watchful (“alert, aware”) against spiritual drowsiness caused by attention to the world (Matt. 24:42; Acts 20:31; 1 Cor. 16:13; 1 Thes. 5:6) and/or by the wiles of the devil (Eph. 6:16; 1 Peter 5:8). Being thankful should always accompany prayer (Phil. 4:6; Col. 1:12; Col. 3:16-17; 1 Thes. 5:18), for it places a believer in the proper attitude before God (cf. Rom. 1:21).
Colossians 4:3-4. Pray for us was a request Paul often made of his readers (Rom. 15:30; Eph. 6:19; 1 Thes. 5:25; 2 Thes. 3:1). His request was not selfish; it was for an open … door (cf. 1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 2:12) through which he could clearly minister the gospel message … the mystery of Christ (cf. Eph. 3:4; Eph. 6:19; Col. 1:26-27; Col. 2:2), for which he was in chains (cf. Phil. 1:7, Phil 1:13-14,16; Col. 4:18; Phile. 1, 9-10,13). He desired not only an opportunity to preach but also clarity in preaching: that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should (i.e., “as I am obligated to”; cf. Rom. 1:14-15).

Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (Col 4:1—4). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

On this day...

Leave a Comment

www.PurposeDriven.ca // Personal Ministry of Steve Kellar
Request a FREE ESV Bible