Continue in Prayer
Colossians 4:2-4
I. The Pursuit in Prayer
PRAYER is the pursuit of God.
He is the audience; He is the One we are talking to
Prayer requires a God-consciousness.
Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name is the start of the Model Prayer.
II. The Persistence in Prayer – “Continue in prayer…”
CONTINUE:
- to adhere to one, be his adherent, to be devoted or constant to one
- to be steadfastly attentive unto, to give unremitting care to a thing
- to continue all the time in a place
- to persevere and not to faint
- Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
III. The Perception in Prayer – “…and watch in the same…”
- Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
- Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
- Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
IV. The Praise in Prayer – “…and watch in the same with thanksgiving…”
Thanksgiving praying takes out the selfishness.
Thanksgiving praying removes doubt in God’s faithfulness.
Thanksgiving praying eliminates covetousness.
Thanksgiving praying ensures that we are not praying to consume it upon our own lusts.
Thanksgiving praying recognizes God’s power and His provision.
Thanksgiving praying is praying that captures the heart and hand of God.
- Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
V. The Partnership in Prayer – “Withal praying also for us…”
Paul was requesting from the saints in Colosse several very specific things.
A. Ministry opportunities to be presented
B. Mystery of Christ to be preached
C. Manifestation of the truth to be propagated