Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Note 1 at Col 4:2: Prayer is simply communication with God and should be foundational in a Christian's life. In the Greek, the word "PROSKARTEREO," which was translated "continue" in this verse, means "to be earnest towards, i.e. (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent" (Strong's Concordance). Prayer needs to be a discipline in the Christian life.
Note 2 at Col 4:2: "Watch in the same" is an expression meaning that we should be alert, listening and looking for direction from the Lord, as we pray. In other words, prayer should not be a monologue. We should be expecting to hear from the Lord when we talk to Him.
The old CB radio transmitters do not send and receive at the same time. When one party finishes speaking, he or she must say "over," and then wait for the other party to speak. Likewise, there are times when we need to say "over" in our prayer time with the Lord, and then listen for what He wants to say. The way some people pray, the Lord can't get a word in edgewise.
Note 3 at Col 4:2: There are other places where we are instructed to make sure thanksgiving is a part of our prayers (Php 4:6 and Col 2:7). Ps 100:4 tells us, "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." The Lord's Prayer begins and ends with thankfulness and giving glory.
There are many reasons for making thanksgiving a part of our prayers, but one of the major reasons is that thanksgiving in our prayers keeps us from turning prayer into griping and complaining. If we would use the "sandwich technique," where we only voice hurts or needs in between thanksgiving, then our prayers would remain positive and full of faith (see note 2 at Eph 1:16).
Note 1 at Col 4:2: Prayer is simply communication with God and should be foundational in a Christian's life. In the Greek, the word "PROSKARTEREO," which was translated "continue" in this verse, means "to be earnest towards, i.e. (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent" (Strong's Concordance). Prayer needs to be a discipline in the Christian life.
Note 2 at Col 4:2: "Watch in the same" is an expression meaning that we should be alert, listening and looking for direction from the Lord, as we pray. In other words, prayer should not be a monologue. We should be expecting to hear from the Lord when we talk to Him.
The old CB radio transmitters do not send and receive at the same time. When one party finishes speaking, he or she must say "over," and then wait for the other party to speak. Likewise, there are times when we need to say "over" in our prayer time with the Lord, and then listen for what He wants to say. The way some people pray, the Lord can't get a word in edgewise.
Note 3 at Col 4:2: There are other places where we are instructed to make sure thanksgiving is a part of our prayers (Php 4:6 and Col 2:7). Ps 100:4 tells us, "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." The Lord's Prayer begins and ends with thankfulness and giving glory.
There are many reasons for making thanksgiving a part of our prayers, but one of the major reasons is that thanksgiving in our prayers keeps us from turning prayer into griping and complaining. If we would use the "sandwich technique," where we only voice hurts or needs in between thanksgiving, then our prayers would remain positive and full of faith (see note 2 at Eph 1:16).
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