Week 43 – Day 5

VIGILANT IN PRAYER

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.j
Colossians 4:2-4

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. How do we pray constantly and watchfully with thanksgiving? What Paul is referring to here is a mindset, a lifestyle. It does not mean being constantly physically on your knees (a good thing, since I don’t have knees). It’s a position of your spirit, an attitude of your heart, to be constantly in communication with God about other people and their needs as well as your own. This is the position of Jesus—our Good Shepherd and High Priest—today: intercession on behalf of His sheep (Hebrews 7:25).

The vigilance comes in as we watch for times to pray. You can pray while driving, exercising, eating. 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. You will be mightily blessed as you see the answers that could come only from God.

We can pray “with thanksgiving” because we know that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and promises to care for us. His Holy Spirit even intercedes for us when words fail us (Romans 8:26).

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, vigilant, and thankful in prayer.