COLOSSIANS 4:2-4
BE VIGILANT IN PRAYER
Colossians 4:2-4 (BSB) Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchfulG1127 and thankful, as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.
G1127 grēgŏrĕuō – to keep awake, i.e. watch (lit. or fig.): – be vigilant, wake, (be) watch (-ful).
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible
Lord, help me to be diligent,
devoted to prayer and vigilant
for opportunities to intercede
for brothers and sisters in need.
I approach you with thanksgiving
for the strength for daily living.
Praying for those who share your word
with people who have never heard.
(Originally written in 2007 while my son was deployed in Iraq) We need to be alert for opportunities to pray. In 1 Thessalonians chapter five, we are told to “pray without ceasing”. This passage tells us to be watchful or vigilant. I put both of these concepts into practice much more faithfully while my son was serving in Iraq. I also had an interesting prayer experience.
I count laps in the pool using Bible verses. I was on lap 16 and reciting in my mind, “Hitherto, have you asked nothing in my name, ask and you shall receive that your joy may be full” (John 16:24). As I meditated on this verse, I prayed, “Lord, what am I to ask for?” His answer came into my mind immediately, as clear as a bell, “Pray for revival among your son’s men and that they would be a witness to the Iraqis they deal with.” I related this impression from the Lord to Thomas and asked him if he thought it was weird. He answered, “No, it is not. Keep praying, Mom.” I diligently prayed for a revival among the soldiers in my son’s company. I shared this request with my Sunday school class, and my teacher prayed not only for revival among the soldiers but that it would spread back home to their families and beyond. I shared the request with others who also prayed. I realized I needed to pray for my son’s chaplain to be able to minister to men who may be returning to their faith or giving their lives to Christ for the first time.
Since Susan and I have been roommates, we have made a practice of interceding in prayer for others nightly or as soon as we see a request on Facebook or email. We share this to say watch for times to pray. You can pray while driving, exercising, or eating, not just at a specific time set aside for prayer. Be thankful for the opportunity to take all concerns, large and small, to the almighty heavenly Father. Be vigilant and alert to notice people and situations that require prayer. Then be faithful to pray for them. We believe you will be mightily blessed as you see the answers that can come only from God.
Father, we thank you for the privilege of prayer. We pray for those who will read this book that you would reveal yourself to them through answered prayer. Help them find the joy of interceding for others. Help us to be watchful and thankful in prayer.