Well, look at this, we have Colossians again! :o)
Colossians 4:2 shows Paul encouraging the Colossians to pray in a certain way. The ESV says, "continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
"Continue steadfastly" has the idea of "to persevere and not to faint" So, continuing steadfastly in prayer has the idea that we don't quit.
Then, we get the second half that talks about being watchful in prayer with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving we understand. We are to be thankful. Thankful no matter what life throws at us knowing that our heavenly Father has not left our side.
But, "being watchful"? What is that talking about? Well, I looked it up on Blue Letter Bible and it gave a cool image.
"To Watch" (duh)
"Give strict attention to, be cautious, active"
"To take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake one." (whoa)
I also found that this is the same word used in I Peter 5:8 that is translated "vigilant" in "be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the Devil, like a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour."
So, Paul's encouragement about praying is that we are intentional about not quitting. Also, that we, through thanksgiving, are being watchful (for ministry opportunities, for temptations that may trip us, for Satan to attack our families, for loved ones to witness to, etc.) in prayer!
To God be the glory.
Colossians 4:2 shows Paul encouraging the Colossians to pray in a certain way. The ESV says, "continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
"Continue steadfastly" has the idea of "to persevere and not to faint" So, continuing steadfastly in prayer has the idea that we don't quit.
Then, we get the second half that talks about being watchful in prayer with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving we understand. We are to be thankful. Thankful no matter what life throws at us knowing that our heavenly Father has not left our side.
But, "being watchful"? What is that talking about? Well, I looked it up on Blue Letter Bible and it gave a cool image.
"To Watch" (duh)
"Give strict attention to, be cautious, active"
"To take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake one." (whoa)
I also found that this is the same word used in I Peter 5:8 that is translated "vigilant" in "be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the Devil, like a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour."
So, Paul's encouragement about praying is that we are intentional about not quitting. Also, that we, through thanksgiving, are being watchful (for ministry opportunities, for temptations that may trip us, for Satan to attack our families, for loved ones to witness to, etc.) in prayer!
To God be the glory.
No comments:
Post a Comment