READ: Col. 4:2–4: Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving … meanwhile praying also for us …
Paul now gives attention to prayer, after his words about the riches of the gospel over against false doctrine and about living according to the gospel in daily practice. Prayer is in part also our response to what God reveals in His Word to believers concerning Himself, His great virtues and deeds, His promises and His demands.
The whole life within God’s covenant includes listening to the Lord, answering Him, and acting according to His Word to His honor. Prayer is also the way to call upon God’s help in distress and to thank, praise, and glorify Him for His nearness, grace, faithfulness, love, and goodness. Prayer is therefore indispensable for a living covenant communion with the Lord.
Paul exhorts the believers in Colossae, and us, to persevere in prayer. The Lord Jesus already pointed this out in the parable of the unjust judge (Luke 18:1–8): we must not give up if there is no immediate answer, but continue steadfastly in prayer, trusting that God will ultimately bring justice.
Paul says: “be vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” Prayer must be directed toward everything that is needed at that moment for service to the Lord—for oneself, the family, the congregation, and the world. At the same time, the Lord’s help must be sought in prayer for dangers and difficulties facing believers and the church. There must also be thanksgiving for God’s help and His blessings..
Indeed, thanksgiving to God should always have its place, because it is He who gives us life and daily provision, who saves us through His Son from sin and misery, and who in Him offers us a glorious future. Paul summarizes all this in the words: “be vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” He himself continually sets the good example (see 1:3,9).
He adds: Pray also for us, with a view to the preaching of the gospel, that it may be heard. This especially concerns his labor regarding the mystery that the gospel is now also intended for the Gentiles (cf. Rom. 16:25). He all the more needs intercession now that he is imprisoned for the gospel.
Do you also pray at home for the consistory and minister?
Singing: Ps. 4:2