Devoted, Alert, and Thankful

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. - Colossians 4:2

When I was born again in Christ, the first thing the Lord transformed was my speech. I no longer had the urge to speak with worldly language or profanity. I also remember noticing a great desire to speak in truth. When we are born again in Christ, we are a new creation in Him. Not only do our desires change, but our speech should as well.  No speech is more important than our communication with the Lord in prayer. In regards to our speech, it is fitting that the Apostle Paul begins with prayer because it is the most important speech the new man can utter. Prayer is the strength of the believer's fellowship with the Lord and the source of his power against temptation and sin (Eph. 6:18). In Colossians 4:2, Paul touches on an often overlooked aspect of prayer, that of perseverance, alertness, and thanksgiving. 

The phrase “devoting ourselves in prayer” originates from the compound Greek words that mean, “to be steadfast” or “to endure.” It literally translates to “hold fast and not let go.” This idea of devotion in prayer is at the heart of us drawing near to our Lord. Praying steadfastly involves us struggling and grappling with God, offering Him the deepest concerns and desires of our hearts. It is in this posture that we grow to know the will of the Father. This tension of devoted prayer is where we boldly wait. It is where we plead. It is also in this persistent prayer that we walk in faith that His plan is better than our desire. In this devoted prayer, we are sanctified in His image. 

True prayer involves keeping alert. In the most basic understanding, this means to stay awake and not fall asleep in prayer. This points to a reminder of our weak flesh and worldly desires. Paul is reminding us that in the new self, we should keep watching, seeking, and praying so that we will not fall into the traps of temptation and sin. This also describes our responsibility to stay alert to the needs around us and to be faithful to seek the Lord in prayer regarding these needs. 

The third element of prayer is an attitude of thanksgiving. When we pray, our first proclamation should be a praise of thankfulness to the Lord. We are thankful for the spiritual blessings we walk in, and the inheritance we possess in Christ. As followers of Christ, our list of thanksgiving in prayer should be almost endless. We are thankful for the Lord’s presence, His provision, and our salvation. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we become thankful for His will, even when it is different from our desires. 

As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in the new self. This includes the way we talk to others but more importantly, the way we commune with the Lord in prayer. I encourage you to be steadfast, alert, and thankful each time you pray. 

I love you and consider it an honor to serve as your pastor.

Blessings,

Bro. Kris