Colossian 4:2

Colossian 4:2

Thoughts from Stuart Poteet

Dive Deeper

Swipe to read today’s written devo!

QOP- Swipe
Slide

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”

Colossian 4:2

QOP- Behind the Scenes
Slide

I have never been in prison, and I imagine most of the people reading this today haven’t either. The isolation and loss of mobility would likely be devastating but it could also bring great clarity about what are the most important things: what we cherish, loved ones we miss, or social interaction in general. Paul writes to the Colossi church from prison as Colossians 4:3 reminds us “At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the work, the declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison”.

Slide

The prior verse, which is our verse of the day, instructs us to “continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving”. You may say “well that was easy for Paul to have a steady rhythm of prayer, he was in prison without anything else to do and no distractions”. But notice the 3 key words in this passage regarding prayer are steadfastly, watchful, and thanksgiving. How could Paul even consider prayer with thanksgiving when he was in prison?

Slide

The point is that no matter the circumstances, prayer is the language of giving thanks to God at all times. It is the expression of wonderment of the majesty of our Lord God and the acknowledgment that we don’t deserve any of His love. Yet, through His Son, we have the privilege of accessing the Father through prayer. The cross is the key to the door of the throne room. And with confidence we can approach the throne of our Heavenly Father, day and night, good times, and bad times. Paul reminds us to do this continuingly, being steadfast in it.

QOP- Make it Real
Slide

Maybe today, you are feeling like you’re in prison, maybe even solitary confinement. You feel isolated and alone. Be encouraged that as believers in the finished work of Christ no walls, whether they be physical, mental, or spiritual can separate you from the presence of the Father. The enemy wants you to feel alone and separated. But he can’t squelch the Spirit that God has given us. We can cry out to Him anytime and anywhere.

Slide

Or maybe you’re on the other end of the spectrum. You can feel overwhelmed by all the people interaction around you, and you never seem to have time for prayer (honestly, I fall into this camp sometimes). But we’re reminded of how Jesus did this rhythm all the time, mixing ministry, earthly relationships, and His relationship with the Father. Jesus would remove himself from all the busyness and retire to a quiet place. Jesus needed this spiritual refreshment just as we do.

Slide

My challenge to you and to myself is that we don’t judge our prayer life as “over prayed” or “under prayed”. You can be a prayer warrior and still know that more prayer is needed. Our mind shift is that prayer is not an event like a sprint where we add how many races we’ve ran but rather it’s a steady walk towards the same finish line. We try to make prayer into a balancing act when maybe it’s a meant to be a tensioning. Balancing can become self-centered because you are judge of your prayer rhythm. Tensioning, however, means we are actually tethered to something or Someone with ceasing. Thank you, Jesus!

QOP- End in Prayer
Slide

Dear Heavenly Father, I stumble in my walk with you. Forgive me of my sins of disobedience and pride. Renew my mind continually. May I feel the loving tension of you gentle discipline and your overwhelming grace. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen!

previous arrow
next arrow

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”  

Colossian 4:2

Behind the Scenes

I have never been in prison, and I imagine most of the people reading this today haven’t either. The isolation and loss of mobility would likely be devastating but it could also bring great clarity about what are the most important things: what we cherish, loved ones we miss, or social interaction in general. Paul writes to the Colossi church from prison as Colossians 4:3 reminds us “At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the work, the declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison”.  

The prior verse, which is our verse of the day, instructs us to “continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving”.  You may say “well that was easy for Paul to have a steady rhythm of prayer, he was in prison without anything else to do and no distractions”.  But notice the 3 key words in this passage regarding prayer are steadfastly, watchful, and thanksgiving. How could Paul even consider prayer with thanksgiving when he was in prison? 

The point is that no matter the circumstances, prayer is the language of giving thanks to God at all times. It is the expression of wonderment of the majesty of our Lord God and the acknowledgment that we don’t deserve any of His love. Yet, through His Son, we have the privilege of accessing the Father through prayer. The cross is the key to the door of the throne room. And with confidence we can approach the throne of our Heavenly Father, day and night, good times, and bad times. Paul reminds us to do this continuingly, being steadfast in it. 

Make It Real

Maybe today, you are feeling like you’re in prison, maybe even solitary confinement. You feel isolated and alone. Be encouraged that as believers in the finished work of Christ no walls, whether they be physical, mental, or spiritual can separate you from the presence of the Father. The enemy wants you to feel alone and separated. But he can’t squelch the Spirit that God has given us. We can cry out to Him anytime and anywhere. 

Or maybe you’re on the other end of the spectrum. You can feel overwhelmed by all the people interaction around you, and you never seem to have time for prayer (honestly, I fall into this camp sometimes). But we’re reminded of how Jesus did this rhythm all the time, mixing ministry, earthly relationships, and His relationship with the Father. Jesus would remove himself from all the busyness and retire to a quiet place. Jesus needed this spiritual refreshment just as we do. 

My challenge to you and to myself is that we don’t judge our prayer life as “over prayed” or “under prayed”. You can be a prayer warrior and still know that more prayer is needed. Our mind shift is that prayer is not an event like a sprint where we add how many races we’ve ran but rather it’s a steady walk towards the same finish line. We try to make prayer into a balancing act when maybe it’s a meant to be a tensioning. Balancing can become self-centered because you are judge of your prayer rhythm. Tensioning, however, means we are actually tethered to something or Someone with ceasing. Thank you, Jesus! 

Danny Venhaus

Danny Venhaus

ACF Operations Director

End in Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I stumble in my walk with you. Forgive me of my sins of disobedience and pride. Renew my mind continually. May I feel the loving tension of you gentle discipline and your overwhelming grace. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen! 

Tagged